Independent views By Brendan Horan

Well done Grey Power for highlighting the failure of improved access to elective surgery.

In my recent column I wrote of the plight of a number of constituents in their twilight years who struggle to afford primary health care – and with today's focus on health as a business, rather than health being a primary service, medical costs at GP level have skyrocketed.

They rightly report numerous additional costs now charged on top of a GP fee.

The Health Minister's BOP figures report in excess of 2500 additional surgeries annually since 2008.

Much of this, however, reflects catching up on well overdue surgeries as well the ever-increasing migration to this region, and particularly those retiring.

The latter is a real challenge as the baby boomers now enter retirement and their health needs increase due to age.

They are a demographic who is demanding an active lifestyle in their retirement, and as a collective have significant voting power.

Watch for NZ Independent Coalition policies for health and support to this age-group.

Free medical costs to those aged under 13 in the budget is in reality an election ploy. The money may have been better spent where the greater need is: those aged 65-plus.

If you'd like to discuss this or any other issues please contact me.

Facebook.com/Brendan.horan.336 twitter.com/brendanhoran or Phone Brendan on 07 574 0253.