Latest news with #andDisability
Otago Daily Times
22-05-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
No surprises for health sector
For the health sector it's largely a 'no surprises' Budget, with all the big-ticket items having already been announced - including a $447 million boost for primary care, urgent and after-hours care. Getting a prescription is set to get cheaper for people with long-term conditions like asthma, diabetes and high blood pressure, with a move to allow 12-month prescriptions from June. That is set to cost $91m. Overall, the health budget now tops $3.1b in 2025/26 - an increase of less than 5% (4.77%) for the year. That includes the "cost pressure funding" to which the government committed in last year's Budget of $16m over six years. The Budget includes $2.7 million for capital expenditure - mainly to fix and upgrade crumbling hospital infrastructure, projects like the new Dunedin Hospital development - but also to resolve all the claims from historical non-compliance with the Holidays Act. Health Minister Simeon Brown said the government's "record investment" in health was already delivering results, in terms of more elective surgeries, GP appointments, and other critical healthcare services. "Budget 2025 also invests over $1 billion in new capital to deliver modern, fit-for-purpose infrastructure that meets the health needs of New Zealand's growing and ageing population. "We're also making real progress on our health targets. Emergency department wait times are coming down, cancer patients are being seen faster, and childhood immunisation rates are improving." Budget 2025 initiatives include: • $81.2m this year for increased access to urgent and after-hours care, helping to reduce pressure on emergency departments expanding the primary care workforce, including training more doctors and nurses locally •24/7 access to digital primary care for online medical consultations, making it easier for people to get advice and prescriptions from their own homes easier access to long-term prescriptions and broader prescribing rights • streamlined transfers from hospital to aged care, helping free up inpatient hospital beds and improve continuity of care - set to cost $6m, funded through "reprioritisation from the Ministry of Health's baselines" •increased funding for the Health and Disability Commissioner to improve complaint resolution and care standards • support for a new multi-agency response to mental health distress calls ($2.2m for hospital services in this year's Budget, rising to $7.7m in 2028/29 plus $ 511m for primary sector, rising to $29m • over $1b for health infrastructure, including redeveloping Nelson Hospital, Wellington Emergency Department and upgrading Auckland Hospital. "We are delivering on our promise to put patients first," Brown said. "This additional investment of 7.4 percent in total funding represents an increase of 6.2 percent per capita, which will make a real difference to people's lives - ensuring timely, high-quality care for patients while supporting our frontline workforce who deliver that care every day."
Jordan Times
03-04-2025
- Business
- Jordan Times
Technology key to empowering persons with disabilities — minister
AMMAN — Minister of Social Development Wafa Bani Mustafa on Thursday emphasised that technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship are crucial in fostering the independence, integration, and dignity of persons with disabilities across all aspects of life. Speaking at the session "Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship: Supporting Independent Living for Persons with Disabilities" during the Third Global Disability Summit 2025 in Berlin, Bani Mustafa highlighted Jordan's legislative progress in advancing disability rights, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. She underscored the country's commitment to aligning legal frameworks with international agreements, citing the amendment to Article 6 of the Jordanian Constitution as a milestone in affirming disability rights. She also pointed to the Social Development Law of 2024 and related regulations that support social inclusion and accessibility. The minister also noted that Jordan has made significant strides in assistive technology, integrating AI-driven solutions, smart devices, and assistive applications into education, healthcare, rehabilitation, and social services. "These advancements have improved accessibility and the overall quality of life for persons with disabilities," she added. Bani Mustafa also outlined achievements in inclusive education, economic empowerment, and equitable healthcare access, emphasising that ensuring full independence for persons with disabilities requires a collaborative effort from governments, the private sector, civil society, and international organisations. The minister also called for greater investment in assistive technology, making it more affordable and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among persons with disabilities, stressing the need to translate legal commitments into practical policies and initiatives that drive real change. On the sidelines of the summit, Bani Mustafa met separately with French Minister for Autonomy and Disability Charlotte Parmentier-Lecocq and German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Svenja Schulze. During the talks, Bani Mustafa reviewed the key achievements in empowering Jordan's people with disabilities, in terms of legislative frameworks and the system of services provided to this group. The minister pointed to the importance of enhancing opportunities for cooperation and exchanging expertise in promoting the autonomy of people with disabilities by their integration and empowerment to achieve independence in daily life. Bani Mustafa also highlighted the efforts made to implement Jordan's Social Protection Strategy, in partnership with several institutions and ministries, which work to implement the strategy's provisions. 'The strategy's four axes of empowerment, dignity, opportunity, and resilience aim to provide a protection system for target groups, including persons with disabilities,' she said. The minister added that integration of persons with disabilities within the framework of the Shelter Alternatives Strategy aims to enable them to achieve the "highest possible" level of independence, productivity, and participation in society.
