GPs say funding offer is "insulting and insufficient"

GPs say they're at breaking point, and a recent funding offer from the outgoing DHBs and interim Health New Zealand is "insulting and insufficient". Primary Health Organisations have been in negotiations over a capitation percentage increase, which is the principal mechanism that sets the funding of general practice. GPs who are part of a PHO receive a base level of funding per patient visit and are allowed to charge a co-payment. Every year, GPs do more than 20 million consultations with patients, funded with around one billion dollars from the goverment. But family doctors say they're stretched to breaking point, and the three per cent increase that has been offered is way off the mark. Kathryn speaks with Dr Samantha Murton, President of the College of General Practitioners.