Those of us who believe in public service and want the public health system to work should be the strongest advocates for making it efficient and effective. When we leave it to the opponents of public service to point out its failings, we leave a false choice between a private model and a failing public one.

Campbell’s critique of Te Whatu Ora starts by pointing out that the problem to which it is the solution is ill-defined. Yet problems in health are obvious: There is a chronic lack of GPs, hospital doctors and nurses, waiting lists are long, there is unequal provision of services to Māori and Pasifika.

Josie's column is here.