At Local Doctors Otara in South Auckland, many sick or injured people wait hours to see a doctor each morning. This clinic is part of the Very Low Cost Access scheme, which helps people with healthcare needs by charging only $19.50 for appointments, much lower than the usual costs of over $60 in Auckland.
Patients often line up as early as 6:30 AM, even during winter. Clinic CEO Lloyd McCann said these long queues show how desperate people are for healthcare. Staff arrive early to prepare, but many still wait for hours to be seen.
Tiu Tuitara, a patient with heart problems, shared his struggles. He waits outside for about an hour and then another three to four hours inside the clinic. He worries about his health, saying, “I don’t want to have a heart attack.”
Doctor Silva Ponnampalam sees the long lines and feels sad, especially for the patients with children or serious conditions. McCann noted that many patients have complex health issues, which makes their needs more challenging.
The clinic is getting more patients each month, many suffering from winter illnesses and other problems. McCann pointed out that the healthcare needs are increasing, and patients often have multiple health issues. He also mentioned that funding for primary care has been low for years, making it harder for clinics to provide care.
Underfunding in GP services is a long-standing problem, not just for the current government, but one that has built up over decades. More investment in primary care could lead to earlier detection of illnesses and ultimately save money by reducing costly hospital visits.
