New Zealand’s new 24/7 online general practice service has officially launched, providing round-the-clock access to primary healthcare services. This program aims to alleviate the strain on emergency departments by offering online consultations for non-urgent conditions such as common coughs and colds, allergies, and stomach flu. Patients can receive prescriptions, laboratory referrals, and medical certificates from providers like Bettr by Local Doctors, White Cross, Emergency Consult, Tend, CareHQ, MedOnline, Pocket Lab, Practice Plus, and The Doctors Online.
Health Minister Simeon Brown emphasized the importance of ensuring that New Zealanders can access medical help when needed, especially outside of regular clinic hours or when unable to secure a timely appointment with their regular GP. This initiative is part of Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand’s Primary Care Tactical Action Plan, which has been allocated NZ$447.6 million in funding over four years under Budget 2025.
In addition to the 24/7 digital service, the government is also developing a new digital platform dedicated to primary mental health and addiction support. Tend has been awarded NZ$1.97 million in state funding over two years to deliver this service, which aims to assist individuals who are not enrolled with a GP or experiencing difficulties accessing mental health services.
Furthermore, the telehealth service is one of the inaugural applications of the upcoming Shared Digital Health Record system. This system will offer a comprehensive view of nationally available clinical data and existing shared digital health records. Although originally slated to launch prior to the 24/7 online GP program, the project’s timeline has been adjusted to allow for additional preparations, such as healthcare provider onboarding and patient education on data privacy.
Overall, New Zealand’s new 24/7 online general practice service represents a significant step towards enhancing accessibility and convenience in primary healthcare delivery. With a focus on leveraging digital technology to improve patient outcomes and streamline healthcare services, this program sets a precedent for future innovations in the country’s healthcare landscape.
