The Medical Council of NZ released a statement yesterday on cultural competence, partnership and health equity: Professional obligations towards Māori Health Improvement.  

Te ORA Chairperson, Dr Rawiri Jansen said, “Te ORA welcomes the Medical Council demonstrating leadership in providing clear guidance to the medical sector.  We look forward to working with the medical colleges, medical practitioners and the wider medical sector to fulfil the expectations the Medical Council has set out for us to contribute to reducing health inequity for Māori”

Dr Jansen adds, “Te ORA is especially keen to see medical colleges commit capacity, capability and resourcing to the provision of evidence-based cultural competency training to College trainees and fellows”.

Finally, Dr Jansen says, “In 2014, we graduated 34 Māori from the two medical schools, and the supply of Māori doctors is increasing.   We need to work now to ensure that we support the professional development of our Māori medical practitioners”.

ENDS