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Health receives the largest increase in government spending in the Budget, with $435 million available to help fund cost pressures and new initiatives in 2012/13, Health Minister Tony Ryall says.

“Despite tight financial times, the Government is spending $14.12 billion in 2012/13 on health – the biggest investment ever,” he says. “This demonstrates the National Government’s commitment to protecting and growing our public health services.”

Budget 2012 is delivering a further $68 million of operating funding over the next four years to maintain the record levels of elective surgery achieved under the National-led Government, and to further reduce waiting times for patients.

“This Government has achieved huge increases in the number of people getting the operations they need,” Health Minister Tony Ryall says. “District health boards are now performing 27,000 more elective operations a year – 500 extra operations a week – compared to 2008.

Budget 2012 is delivering an additional $33 million in operating funding over the next four years for better and faster services for cancer patients, Health Minister Tony Ryall says.

This includes funding for dedicated nurses, who will coordinate care and support for individual patients throughout the course of their cancer treatment.

“Being diagnosed with cancer is a difficult time for patients and their families,” Mr Ryall says. “This more personalised service will mean better treatment and a less stressful experience for patients.

Budget 2012 will make available $143.7 million over the next four years to improve the lives of people with disabilities.

The Budget next week will provide $101 million of extra funding over the next four years for more elective operations and scans, and improved cancer services, Health Minister Tony Ryall says.

In a pre-Budget announcement with Prime Minister John Key, Mr Ryall said the extra Budget funding would invest in four new initiatives.

“This is part of our commitment to deliver more and better frontline health services where they are most needed, while ensuring we responsibly manage the Government’s finances,” Mr Ryall says.

Health Minister Tony Ryall today announced the Government will increase the $3 prescription charge to $5 per item up to a maximum of 20 items from 1 January 2013. The savings will be reinvested in the health sector.

“The National-led Government is committed to protecting and growing public health services,” Mr Ryall said at a pre-Budget announcement with Prime Minister John Key.