The Labour Party has announced a key health policy ahead of the 2026 general election, pledging to make cervical screening free of charge if it wins.
Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall confirmed that this initiative would be incorporated into the party’s Medicard scheme. The said scheme will provide all New Zealanders with three free doctor visits annually, funded through capital gains tax.
According to Verall, presenting a Medicard at a doctor’s office or community screening event would enable free cervical screening for individuals aged 25 to 69 starting from October 2027. She explained that this approach would help prevent cancers and reduce the burden of expensive hospital treatments.
“Each year 175 New Zealanders are diagnosed with cervical cancer and 55 die from it,” Verall said.
“Almost every case is preventable with better uptake of cervical screening and vaccination.”
Verrall said, “No one should have to pay for cervical screening when other screening programmes are free.” She stressed that offering free cervical screening leads to earlier detection, saves lives, and eases the strain on hospitals.
“New Zealand has committed to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030. Free cervical screening and HPV vaccination will help us reach that goal.”
The policy would maintain the current eligibility criteria for cervical screenings and is projected to cost $21.6 million in its first year, with funding coming from within the existing health budget baseline.