Wednesday, 14 July 2021, 9:50 am
The government has signalled a major makeover to a
screening and support programme for the earliest years of a
child’s life.
The Well Child Tamariki Ora health
programme provides wellness checkups for families with
children from birth to 5 years old, aiming to boost health
and development. But a government review has found the
initiative is outdated, and fails to meet the needs of
children who are Māori, Pacific, living with disabilities,
in state care, and those with high needs.
The SMC
asked experts to comment on the announcement.
Dr Jin
Russell, Developmental Paediatrician, Starship Children’s