Labour’s digital health initiatives supported by GP owners

NEWS  - eHealthNews editor Rebecca McBeth

Labour’s digital health initiatives outlined in its 2026 election policies have attracted substantial support from general practice owners, however the party’s promise of three free GP visits a year rated the lowest of any policy tested in a recent poll by GenPro. 

Labour has promised review of telehealth funding and a new Digital Innovation Fund for primary care as part of its wider plan to improve access to general practice, reduce administrative workloads and increase the number of appointments. 

A survey from the General Practice Owners Association (GenPro) polled 132 general practice owners and respondents on health policies from seven political parties ahead of the election. 

The review of telehealth funding was supported by 77 percent of respondents, while the digital innovation fund for primary care clinics earned backing from 71 percent.  

The three free GP visits policy, however, attracted just 14 percent support, the lowest result of any policy tested across all parties in the survey. 

GenPro chair Dr. Angus Chambers says that, "ultimately, patients need to be able to get an appointment. That requires a sustainable network of practices, enough doctors and nurses, and funding that reflects the cost of providing care." 

Labour proposes establishing a dedicated fund to help general practices trial and adopt proven digital technologies more quickly. 

It’s policy document says the fund would support rapid adoption of technologies that reduce administrative burdens and allow clinicians to spend more time with patients, including the use of AI medical scribes. 

Labour estimates that wider adoption of AI scribes and other digital tools could free up around 1.5 million GP appointments annually and that AI scribes alone could save some clinicians up to two hours per day. 

The party also says it would review existing telehealth funding arrangements to ensure virtual care complements, rather than replaces, face-to-face consultations in general practice. 

Its policy document raises concerns about funding models that could draw doctors away from in-person care in clinics and says the review would examine how telehealth is funded and how it can support sustainable general practice services. 

Labour's practice-based clinical phone triage service had 38 percent in support, 38 percent neutral and 24 percent opposed. 

The poll's strongest result went to the Opportunity Party's proposal to increase the proportion of Health New Zealand spending on primary care, which received 93 percent support. 

When asked which party they would vote for based solely on health policy, 42 percent of respondents chose the Opportunity Party, followed by National at 19 percent and ACT at 13 percent. Labour and the Green Party each received 8 percent, while 9.1 percent selected undecided or none. 

"Whoever forms the next Government, our message is straightforward: strengthening primary care is one of the best investments New Zealand can make in the future of its health system," says Chambers. 

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