40-year waiting list for NZ’s transgender patients

https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/doctor-blasts-outrageous-40-year-waiting-list-nzs-transgender-patients

Eighty-eight people are now awaiting gender reassignment surgery, with an average of two operations funded from the public purse each year.

Dr Madison declined to comment further, saying the comment to the Ministry effectively explained his opinion.

The Health Minister, Jonathan Coleman, is standing by the funding policy, saying spending needs to be prioritised across different areas.

“I have total sympathy for these people who are seeking this type of surgery but the health system has never been able to deliver absolutely everything that absolutely everybody has wanted, and we’ve got to focus on essential care.”

The Ministry of Health says the cost of male to female surgeries is about $35k-$40k, while for female to male surgery can be as much as $180k and the surgery needs to be undertaken overseas.