Summarised by Centrist
New Zealand’s health sector is in turmoil as Director-General of Health Dr Diana Sarfati resigns, making her the third senior health official to step down in just a week.
Sarfati’s departure follows Health Minister Simeon Brown’s push for new leadership at Health NZ. In her statement, Sarfati acknowledged the challenge of overhauling the health system but said, “Now, having made the decision to go, I have decided to leave promptly.”
Sarfati’s resignation comes after Director of Public Health Dr Nicholas Jones announced his exit earlier this week and Health NZ chief executive Fepulea’i Margie Apa stepped down last Friday, citing the need for a “different leadership approach.”
The exodus has been met with backlash from the opposition, with Labour’s Peeni Henare calling it a “bloodbath” and the Public Service Association warning of further disruption in an already struggling system.
However, the shake-up aligns with National’s pledge to refocus the healthcare system on measurable outcomes rather than bureaucratic bloat. While critics accuse the government of undermining public health, supporters see it as a long-overdue correction after years of mismanagement. Brown thanked Sarfati for her service but made it clear that change was necessary, suggesting more leadership shifts could follow.
Read more over at The NZ Herald
Image: Upoko16a
