Call for funded annual health check-ups for Kiwis with intellectual disabilities

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2025-02-14 00:01

New Zealand

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Funding annual health checks for intellectually disabled New Zealanders could prevent over 100 deaths per year, according to a Viewpoint article published in the NZ Medical Journal. Kiwis with intellectual disabilities have a much shorter life expectancy than the general population - by up to 22 years - and are over three times more likely to be admitted to hospital for a condition that could have been avoided. Authors of the piece say that the such check-ups could not only save lives, but also save money by easing pressures on hospitals and emergency departments.

Media release

From: Pasifika Medical Association Group

Intellectually disabled New Zealanders have a much shorter life expectancy than the general population, in part due to preventable health issues. Evidence from Australia and the United Kingdom proves that annual health checks can save lives by catching health problems early, reducing avoidable hospital stays and improving overall health. In Aotearoa New Zealand, annual health checks could prevent over 100 deaths a year while also saving money by easing demand on hospitals. A targeted, staged rollout starting in regions with high numbers of intellectually disabled people would be an effective and practical first step.

Journal/
conference: New Zealand Medical Journal

Organisation/s: IHC NZ, Kōtātā Insight

Funder: N/A

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