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Encouraging families to live healthy, active lives is part of the Government’s approach to reducing obesity in New Zealand.

“Budget 2014 invests $40 million over four years for the new Healthy Families NZ anti-obesity initiative, which is expected to reach around 900,000 New Zealanders," Health Minister Tony Ryall says.

Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia announced an additional health initiative in Budget 2014 today, new operating funding of $10 million for Better Oral Health for children and adolescents over the next four years.

Budget 2014 will deliver an additional $32.7 million over four years to further improve cancer services and provide better support for cancer patients, Health Minister Tony Ryall says.

“This includes funding for specialist psychological staff and up to 20 cancer support workers who will ensure patients diagnosed with cancer and their families receive more support and counselling,” he says.

“Every year more than 20,000 New Zealanders are diagnosed with cancer, and this number is set to increase as our population ages.

The Government will spend $110 million of new money over the next four years to provide even more New Zealanders with elective surgery, including hip and knee replacements, Health Minister Tony Ryall says.

“Elective surgery makes a real difference to patients and their families – it reduces pain, restores independence and improves quality of life.

“This extra funding will mean even more patients will benefit from surgery, and they will get it sooner than they have in the past.

Free doctors’ visits and prescriptions for children aged under six will be extended to all children aged under 13 from July next year, Health Minister Tony Ryall says.

“Budget 2014 is investing $90 million over three years from 1 July 2015 so primary school-aged children can go to a doctor for free, any time of the day or night, and get their prescriptions free as well,” he says.

New Zealand’s public health services budget will reach a record $15.6 billion next year, Health Minister Tony Ryall says.

“This National-led Government is committed to protecting and growing our public health services,” he says.

“Budget 2014 is making available $1.8 billion for health over four years for new initiatives and to meet cost pressures and population growth. This is made up of $1.39 billion of new money and $412 million of savings.

The Government has today announced free drop-in sore-throat clinics will be expanded to target a further 90,000 children and young people who are at risk of getting rheumatic fever.

“Budget 2014 will invest an extra $20 million over the next four years to combat New Zealand’s high rate of rheumatic fever – bringing the Government’s total investment to more than $65.3 million over six years,” Health Minister Tony Ryall says.

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett and Associate Health Minister Jo Goodhew have today announced $10.4 million in new operating funding to support sexual violence services over the next two years.

“This funding boost in Budget 2014 will provide immediate stability for the specialist services providing vital support for New Zealanders and their families impacted by sexual violence,” Mrs Bennett says.

Health Minister Tony Ryall has announced children with profound hearing loss will now receive two funded cochlear implants, and children under six with only one implant will be offered the opportunity to have a second funded implant.

“Budget 2014 is providing an extra $6.3 million over four years for a bilateral cochlear implants programme for children,” says Mr Ryall.