Seven things GP owners say will fix primary healthcare

Seven things GP owners say will fix primary healthcare New Zealand’s General Practice Owners Association (GenPro) has outlined seven key measures it believes are essential to restoring the viability of primary healthcare in the country. The call comes amid rising pressures on general practices due to surging winter illnesses, ongoing underfunding, and persistent staff shortages. GenPro, representing owners of independent general practices and urgent care centers, has released a manifesto ahead of the November election, urging political parties to prioritize the long-term sustainability of frontline general practice. The association argues that general practice serves as the gateway to the broader health system, enabling individuals to receive timely care in their communities and reducing reliance on hospital services. According to GenPro chair Dr. Angus Chambers, the sector faces both financial and workforce challenges that threaten its ability to meet growing demand. “Political parties have an opportunity at this election to put general practice on a sustainable footing for the long term,” he said. The seven-point plan includes a 30 percent cumulative increase in general practice funding over three years, along with an independent mechanism to adjust funding based on the actual costs of delivering care. GenPro also calls for a five-year funding pathway to give practices stability and targeted funding for patients with complex health needs and for rural and remote clinics. These proposals aim to address disparities in resource distribution and ensure that all regions have adequate access to primary care. Another focus area is supporting long-term GP-patient relationships. GenPro emphasizes the importance of continuity of care, advocating for every enrolled patient to have access to a named GP or nurse practitioner. Face-to-face consultations are highlighted as central to primary care, with telehealth recommended as a supplementary tool rather than a replacement. This approach underscores the belief that in-person interactions are critical for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Rural and urgent after-hours care are also high on GenPro’s agenda. It calls for increased funding for rural areas, stronger support for recruiting and retaining healthcare workers in these regions, and investment in infrastructure and digital connectivity. These measures are intended to alleviate the unique challenges faced by practitioners in remote locations, where access to resources and staffing is often limited. Reducing bureaucratic burdens and improving funding transparency are additional priorities. GenPro wants to minimize unnecessary administrative tasks that divert attention from patient care and ensure that more health funding directly benefits frontline services. The association also advocates for preserving the independent, community-owned model of general practice, arguing that it fosters continuity of care and supports a diverse range of primary care providers. To ensure meaningful input from the sector, GenPro seeks a stronger voice in shaping policies related to funding, service design, and overall strategy. It insists that political decisions affecting general practice should involve consultation with organizations like itself. Finally, the association highlights the need for a sustainable workforce, including improved employment conditions for GPs, support for internationally trained clinicians, and assistance for future generations of doctors looking to establish independent practices. Dr. Chambers emphasized that the manifesto provides a roadmap for political parties rather than merely identifying issues. He argued that implementing these steps could enhance access to care, ease pressure on hospitals, and improve value for taxpayers. He stressed that continuity of care and in-person consultations are vital, noting that while telehealth has a role, it cannot fully substitute for direct patient interaction. The timing of the manifesto release coincides with heightened scrutiny of the health system, particularly during the winter season when demand for medical services typically rises. With the upcoming election, GenPro hopes to influence policy discussions and secure commitments from political leaders to invest in primary care. The association’s proposals reflect a comprehensive view of the challenges facing general practice and the solutions it deems necessary to ensure the sector’s resilience and effectiveness.