3 Apr 2025

New report urges GP investment citing huge downstream savings

From Nine To Noon, 9:05 am on 3 April 2025
dark vignette and black and white  stethoscope.

Photo: Unsplash / RNZ

New research from the think tank, the New Zealand Initiative, is pushing for more investment in GP's to save spending at hospital level. 

A  report out today highlights the stark estimated cost differences: an emergency department visit, without hospital admission, costs approximately $650 compared to around $50 for a GP consultation. 

The author Dr Prabani Wood, who is a research fellow at the business funded organisation and a specialist GP herself, says investment in  primary care could save millions of dollars, ease the pressure on hospitals and improve patient care. 

Kathryn speaks to Dr Wood ahead of a presentation of  her report to the New Zealand Initiative's annual member's meeting.