Since 1970 Government spending on health has trebled in real terms driven by technological advances, ever-increasing demand for more services, and an ageing population. Relative to other countries the performance of our health sector is falling, with the World Health Organisation ranking New Zealand 41st (behind Columbia, Chile and Cuba). The main problems are uncertainty, wastage, lack of choice and political interference.
favourably mentions underprivileged minorities, for example handicapped, homosexuals or immigrants