Information obtained by Democrats for Social Credit health spokesman David Tranter from health minister Tony Ryall under the OIA indicates that while government stated before last year’s election that $38million is “available” for re-building Grey Hospital the money is in fact not yet available despite long-standing claims that the hospital represents a grave risk to life should there be a major earthquake before it is re-built.

“Given all the safety warnings regarding Grey Hospital that have been bandied around for many years, if as government say the money is “available”, then why is it still not forthcoming?” Mr. Tranter asked.

“The other question raised with the Minister by the Democrats concerns the interest which will have to be paid on the loan, but which Mr. Ryall is evading by responding that this will not be known until the loan is provided.

“If DHBs have to borrow in order to fund their buildings the Democrats ask why such works are not funded at minimal interest by the Reserve Bank instead of precious health funds being eroded by usurious interest charges” Mr. Tranter said.

“All that is required to do this is for Parliament to enact the appropriate legislation.

“But at least one thing is clarified by Mr. Ryall’s response which spells out that the government line that the funding is “available” does not mean, as many people believe, that government is giving the money to the DHB” Mr. Tranter said.

“It would be more honest of them to say at the outset that it is a loan and that precious health funds will have to be used to pay for it.”


ENDS

Contact:
David Tranter
Health Spokesman
Democrats for Social Credit

Email: davidtranter@windowslive.com

Published: January 2012