The effect of economic constraints on the health care system in New Zealand.
The New Zealand government, in addition to budget restrictions, has introduced population-based hospital funding to contain hospital costs. Moreover, a health services reorganization to increase area-wide integration and coordination of services on a voluntary basis has been advocated. Diffusion and use of expensive medical technologies have been delayed or thwarted. Private hospitals have increased and provide an outlet for those who are able to escape prolonged waiting for treatment and the deteriorating accommodations in public hospitals.