Photo: 123RFFree prescriptions are gone for most people - but this year's health budget includes new money for training more doctors, increasing access to breast screening and putting security guards in emergency departments. Health Minister Dr Shane Reti said the government was increasing overall health funding by $16.68b over the three budgets. "We want the health sector to plan for the future with confidence, knowing our government will always prioritise increased investment for services it delivers. "That's why we are confirming today not just health funding increases from this Budget, but pre-commitments for additional funding from our next two Budgets as well." In response to questions about the "broken promise" to fund cancer drugs, Willis said the government remained "committed to increasing access to cancer treatments".
