John Mutu-Grigg, Chair of the Māori Health Advisory Group and Professor Jonathan Koea, Kaiārahi, Māori Trainee Liaison Lead, wrote to Manatū Hauora welcomed the opportunity to provide a RACS perspective, noting that very few Māori have become surgeons, yet Māori suffer from an excess of surgical-disease and mortality in comparison to non-Māori, and this excess is independent of socioeconomic status.
RACS suggested that after so much structural change in health the Hauora Māori Strategy should focus on:
- achieving a fair, safe and sustainable health system that delivers equitable access, equitable care/services, and equitable outcomes for Māori, consistent with the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) Act 2022.
- addressing the disproportionate burden of disease experienced by Māori, given clear evidence that ethnicity is a key determinant of health outcomes independent of socioeconomic status
- driving tangible change on the ground where evidence shows Māori health is most impacted
- support for a Māori surgical pathway, ensuring the Māori surgical workforce is trained and retained in New Zealand as part of a coordinated strategy of workforce recruitment and planning for each health district
- effort and resources required for Māori to access the quality health care they need
- a consolidated strategy with a clear set of strategic priorities for Māori health.