Ross Morgan

Many people in Whakatāne may not be aware that the owner of around 65 doctor GP practices across New Zealand is in talks to sell them to an Australian private equity firm.

Three of those practices are here in Whakatāne, meaning thousands of Eastern Bay patients could be directly affected if this sale proceeds.

Experience from previous corporate takeovers of GP clinics shows what typically follows: sharp increases in patient fees, new charges for services that were previously included, and pressure on already stretched practice staff.

Even under the current corporate owner, standard consultation fees have risen from about $28 to over $50, and overseas private equity ownership has a track record of pushing costs even higher.

This sale is not in anybody’s interest except future foreign shareholders.

For the wellbeing of New Zealand patients and doctors, this sale should not be permitted.

Primary care must remain focused on community health, not offshore profit.

If members of the public, affected doctors, and patients are concerned, they can write to their local MP, the Minister of Health, and the Overseas Investment Office to express that primary care should not be treated as a commodity.

Community voices do make a difference, and now is the time to speak up.