Primary healthcare is not immune from system change as a new private Primary Healthcare Organisation – “The PHO” – formed by the General Practice Owners Association (GenPro) awaits approval from Te Whatu Ora. GenPro says it has 116 practices with 833,000 enrolled patients ready to join up. Amid the shakeup, Te Whatu Ora has published a new dashboard which provides details on PHOs nationwide, including enrolments.
Enrolment in a primary health organisation (PHO) is voluntary. Most New Zealanders are, however, enrolled through their general practice and gain the benefits associated with belonging to a PHO, which can include cheaper doctors’ visits and reduced prescription costs.
In Nelson/Tasman, there is a total of 111,896 people enrolled with Hauora Matua ki Te Tai Aorere Nelson Bays Primary Health, while in Marlborough, 47,154 people are enrolled with Kimi Hauora Wairau Marlborough Primary Health.
In Te Tauihu, 82% of Māori are enrolled with a PHO versus 92% of the population. (Source: Enrolment with a General Practice (PHO) March 2023), meaning a larger proportion of Māori are missing out on vital services.
Now is a good time to check you are enrolled and pass this message on to whānau and friends.