MORE Maori and Pacific islander children in New Zealand are being seen by their enrolled GP, as a result of the NZ government's policy to offer free GP visits for under 13s introduced last year.
Health minister Jonathan Coleman said new data shows since the new arrangements were launched children under 13 had visited their GP 16.6% more than the previous year.
The policy was introduced on 01 Jul 2015, making all New Zealand children under 13 eligible for free visits to their enrolled general practice and also free prescriptions.
"The number of prescriptions dispensed increased by 23.9%, showing that the removal of cost has improved access to medicines," Coleman said.
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