The MMI counts towards a big part of your entry into clinical programmes at the University of Auckland. The MMI this year (2022) is online and will comprise eight stations. It’s essential that you prepare for this! Read more about the MMI and its format here.
MMI questions are often based on recent events and issues facing New Zealand. The following are recent events and changes in regulations that could come up in questions. We will discuss its significance and provide further reading.
Māori Health Authority
The Maori Health Authority is a new legal entity aiming to improve Maori health outcomes. “The Maori Health Authority works with Iwi-Māori Partnership Boards, Māori health providers and professionals, iwi, hapū and Māori communities to understand Māori health needs and aspirations across New Zealand. It then ensures this is reflected in the priorities and plans of the health system, and how services are designed and delivered to meet those needs, including through the use of kaupapa Māori models and the application of mātauranga Māori in the system.”
The significance of this is that Maori often have worse health outcomes compared to other ethnicities, and this health reform aims to reduce this health inequity. This relates to the Treaty of Waitangi as it helps to reduce Maori health inequities (Article 3, protection of Maori). It also enhances Maori rangatiratanga, where they will have greater representation and influence in the health system.
However, there has been some resistance to this reform.
Things to think about:
- What do you think about this? Is this good or bad?
- Why do you think there is resistance to this change?
- Do you think this will reduce inequities in health outcomes?
- How do you think these inequities manifested in our society today?
- If you were asked to make some recommendations (e.g. any additions/omissions) about this reform, what would they be? Briefly explain your reasoning.
Health New Zealand
Health New Zealand is the new health system that replaced the 20 district health boards. “The Health New Zealand manages all health services, including hospital and specialist services, and primary and community care. Hospital and specialist services are planned nationally and delivered more consistently across the country.”
The district health boards were seen as complex and led to a focus on the different regions and not New Zealand as a whole. Health NZ aims to reduce regional inequalities, where some regions have better access to health care than others. Health NZ envisions “hospital and specialist services will be far more consistent, with more equity of access across New Zealand. Patients and employees will be able to move between areas to access care and work where needed.” More resources here.
Things to think about:
- Do you think this is a necessary change?
- What are some pros and cons of a large national system compared to regional health boards?
Healthcare Staff Shortages
There have been numerous reports this year regarding health care worker shortages in New Zealand. Low pay and long working hours have been driving some workers out of the healthcare field. This is especially true for nurses.With the ageing population, there is increasing demand for health care, and there have been initiatives to attract overseas health care workers to address staff shortages.
Things to think about:
- What can we do to address this issue better?
- What are the implications of staff shortages on vulnerable and rural populations?
- Do you think it’s ethical for medical staff to protest when they could be treating patients in need instead?
- Have you had any experience or heard stories about the health system?
Anti-vaccine mandate protests
Earlier this year, there were several anti-vaccine mandate protests across New Zealand, such as in Wellington and Christchurch.
The protestors were mainly against the mask and covid-19 vaccines mandates. Many felt that the government overreached on personal freedoms. Since the start of the pandemic, there have been misinformation about the Covid 19 vaccine, which has caused some people to be hesitant about taking the vaccine. Mandates have been removed for some workers, but healthcare workers including students wishing to pursue clinical programmes must be vaccinated against Covid 19.
Things to think about:
- What do you think about the mandates? Should the government have this kind of power?
- What are some things we can do to reduce misinformation?
- Identify the conflicting ethical principles that underpin vaccine mandates.
- Do you think it’s fair that your employment within the healthcare industry can get terminated based on your vaccination status?
Make it 16?
Make it 16 is a campaign to lower the voting age of New Zealand to 16. They believe that young people are just as impacted by the decisions made by the government and will be inheriting the impacts of those policies too. Because of this, young people should have a say in the decisions by the government that will affect their future. Advocates claim that “preventing16 and 17 year olds from voting is unjustified age discrimination”
Things to think about:
- Do you support this movement? Why?
- What are the implications of increasing new young voters?
- Do you think this will increase the young voter turnout?
