Watch: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon makes pre-Budget health announcement
The government has committed to improving accessibility to urgent and after-hours health care in the regions, with several new 24-hour services planned around the country.
Over the next four years $164 million will be allocated for 24-hour urgent care clinics in Counties Manukau, Whangārei, Palmerston North, Tauranga and Dunedin.
The government also wants to open new daytime services for other centres, including Lower Hutt, Invercargill and Timaru.
Health Minister Simeon Brown said the funding boost meant 98 percent of New Zealanders would have access to in-person urgent care within an hour's drive.
"Making it easier to see a doctor or nurse is a key priority for this government. We're taking action to ensure Kiwis can access the care they need, when and where they need it."
The announcement was made in Auckland's Pakuranga, with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
More to come.
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