Thursday, March 6, 2014
The Government has accepted most of the recommendations of a select committee inquiry into improving child health and the high rates of unplanned pregnancy.
The inquiry recommended 130 changes and called on the Government to adopt a coordinated plan to improve sexual and reproductive health services and sexuality education.
Health Select Committee chair Paul Hutchison said the Government has accepted wholly or in part 109 of the recommendations.
He said new initiatives could be announced as part of the Budget, in May.
Comment:
This was an incredibly insightful report with strong advocacy for changes that Child Health Professionals and Advocates were appealing for. There seems to be a deficit of 21 points that have not been taken up which I hope will not blunt the beneficial effect.
It is certainly a step towards a faire NZ that we are keen to see.
Archie Kerr has been a General Paediatrician at Hutt Hospital for over 30 years. Confronted regularly with the social factors that are important in the health and well-being of children, he has increasingly become aware that only major changes in the economic climate can improve their situation.
Archie Kerr has been a General Paediatrician at Hutt Hospital for over 30 years. Confronted regularly with the social factors that are important in the health and well-being of children, he has increasingly become aware that only major changes in the economic climate can improve their situation.