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Health targets welcomed but more needed
Diabetes New Zealand welcomes the recent Government announcement of ten health targets and the inclusion of diabetes, according to Diabetes New Zealand president Mike Smith.'It's great to see that "Improving diabetes services" is target six,' says Mike. 'We're also very pleased that targets are included which will have an impact on diabetes, such as improving nutrition and physical activity, and reducing obesity and tobacco consumption.
This is a terrific start but we want to see a balanced set of targets with solid figures and timelines. We are concerned that these targets are for people already diagnosed with diabetes and want to see prevention.'
Diabetes New Zealand questions whether the set targets are affordable, given the increasing number of people diagnosed with diabetes each year.
'We would like to see more targets set,' continues Mike. 'What about a target to decrease by age group the number of people getting diabetes? Or a target to increase the number of doctors and health professionals required to manage and treat diabetes?'
No hard numbers or percentages are set to measure any of the diabetes targets. Diabetes New Zealand wants to see the incidence of diabetes reduced. Reducing the incidence and effect of diabetes was one of the government's population health priorities when the Office of the Auditor-General reviewed diabetes in June this year.
'What target will measure this?' asks Mike.
From a consumer's point of view, Diabetes New Zealand welcomes the opportunity to measure the progress every DHB makes on the Ministry of Health website.
'We do look forward to more targets that will reduce diabetes being built on over time and a reduction in the incidence of diabetes,' says Mike.
For more information contact Mike Smith, President, Diabetes New Zealand, phone 0800 438 6453.
Published on this website on Thu, 09 Aug 2007