NZHR has made a submission on the health reforms Bill. We set out our concerns about the New Zealand health system’s apparent historical indifference to the most fundamental of health outcomes – the country’s high and increasing levels of premature mortality – coupled with a longstanding systemic resistance to embracing health research and innovation as a key enabler of improvement. We argue that the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) legislation is a once in a generation opportunity to address both of these shortcomings. We therefore recommend that the legislation be strengthened by including:

• a requirement for all components of the reformed health system to adopt an overt evidence base to their functions and strategies;
• provision for a health research and innovation strategy covering all aspects of health research and innovation together with all sources of funding and investment;
• non-discretionary opportunities to contribute and be consulted

NZHR’s submission can be read here