Data from the local District Health Board shows some medical centres in Ohariu hijacking prices, especially for the over 60s.

Table: standard GP consultation fees for Ohariu electorate based medical centres, as of November 19, 2010 compared to fees prior to October 1, 2010 (Source: Capital and Coast District health Board)

Data from the Capital and Coast  District Health Board (CCDHB) shows that from October last year, for an average GP visit in the five medical centres in Ohariu, those aged over 65 have been paying around $3.80 extra, an increase well above the GST increase introduced on October 1, 2010.

Health Minister Tony Ryall permitted an increase in the co-payment by GPs in according with the rise in GST, saying that an additional increase of around $1 would be reasonable. (Timaru Herald, 6 July 2010). It appears that rather than follow the rules, medical centres have been rorting the system and leaving Ohariu residents to foot the bill.

There has been no criticism by Ohariu’s two National Government MPs, especially Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne for these increases.