17 August 2001 News Update

MINISTRY CRITICISES WHO REPORT

A WHO World Health Report released in June 2000 is being criticised by the Ministry of Health for its methodology. The report ranks New Zealand's health system as the 80th most efficient in the world.

Out of the 191 countries studied, New Zealand ranked 31 in terms of health outcomes, and 26 on overall goal attainment.

Deputy director-general of sector policy Gillian Durham says ministry officials, and health officials from around the world, have taken issue with the methodology employed by WHO. These concerns were discussed with, and acknowledged by WHO, at a meeting in Manila last month.

"WHO has agreed to work with officials to ensure the data and methodology used were appropriate. That work is now in progress and we are working with Statistics New Zealand to ensure the information is correct," she says.

The report can be accessed on www.who.int/whr/2000/en/report.htm

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