3 July 2023

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) is committed to improving health outcomes for Māori and Pacific Islanders and supports policy that enables equitable and healthier communities.

As stated in their submission for the inquiry into Māori health outcomes, the RACP understands that the poor health outcomes of Māori individuals compared to non-Māori individuals is unjust, unfair, and perpetuated by a system founded on colonialism.

“Ethnicity bias is a known and concerning reality in the health system, and it exacerbates existing health inequities for Māori and Pacific Islander people”, says Dr Stephen Inns, Aotearoa New Zealand President of the RACP.

“We support the principle of the Te Whatu Ora policy to address racial inequities in our healthcare system and welcome innovation in care that produces better outcomes for everyone.”

“All whānau should be enjoying the highest possible standard of health, to honour the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and to ensure we do not fail Māori as has been done in the past. To move forward, we must place equity at the centre of our health system”.

Dr Dawn-Louise Adair, Māori Health Committee Chair, notes that having a process that looks at patient ethnicity, alongside other key factors such as disease severity, access issues, and socioeconomic factors, is important in creating a more equitable health system for all.

“In order to improve health outcomes, there must be a genuine and concerted effort to address inequities in access and outcomes for Māori, and the Te Whatu Ora policy is a reflection of the commitment to find an effective solution.  There is however much work still to be done”, says Dr Adair.