-
Source: ONE News
Students have been hit with a new $12 fee for GP consultations at the University of Auckland Health Service, which used to be free.
Healthcare at the university was funded by the Student Services Levy until December.
Full time domestic and international students pay a levy of $689.
Auckland University Students' Association President Arena Williams says the University Health Services provide a basic level of healthcare for students who can't afford to access other providers.
"There may be some students who can afford to pay the new fee, but University Health Services played a special role in delivering free care to those most in need."
Funding cuts for vital services are expected to continue as universities around the country struggle with broader cuts to the tertiary sector, Williams said.
"However, passing rising costs on to students without considering the impact on student welfare is not the answer.
"The service is a central part of university life. It is the first port of call for very sick students who cannot sit exams, and is the only primary health provider nearby which offers a specialised service for young people."
The students' association is opposed to the new fee, but accepts that a shift in the university's attitude to universal service provision may be inevitable, Williams said.
"In that case, we would expect that students would see a decrease in their Student Service Levy payment."
The students' association will continue talks with the university department in charge of service provision before students return for the first semester, Williams said.
Latest NZ News Video
-
Kiwi speaks to TVNZ7 from Everest base camp (1:59)
-
Immigration advisor Bill Milnes discusses claims (4:34)
-
Dance to save Shakti service (0:41)
