Overhauling Well Child Tamariki Ora w/ Dr Ayesha Verrall and Dr Jin Russell: July 14, 2021

Yesterday the government committed to overhaul Well Child Tamariki Ora. The health programme screens babies between the ages of zero to five and provides parenting support and advice through the work of Whānau Āwhina Plunket and many other non-governmental organisations. A review has shown that the programme is outdated and is failing to keep up with the challenges facingwhanau today such as poverty, mental health, drug-use, family and housing situations. 

News and Editorial Director Jemima Huston speaks to Dr Jin Russell, a Developmental Paediatrician working in Auckland, to provide an experienced view of the problems with Well Child Tamariki Ora.They discuss the history of the programme, the government’s decision to make significant changes to it, and whether the National and ACT Party’s criticism that Labour is enforcing seperatist policies are appropriate when it comes to whanau focused health policy changes in Aotearoa. 

95bFM reporter Conor Head-McCarthy also provides comment from Associate Health Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall about the government's decision to overhaul Well Child Tamariki Ora.