Health Minister Simeon Brown has unveiled plans to launch a tele-health service, allowing patients to see a doctor or nurse from home via their mobile device. 

“This service will mean Kiwis can access primary healthcare from anywhere in New Zealand, 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the ability for GPs and nurses to also issue prescriptions or make referrals for lab tests," Brown said yesterday.

Dr Bryan Betty, a Wellington-based GP, said tele-health is a good solution for those who need to see a doctor urgently for an illness like a cold or sore elbow - but isn't the answer to the problem of thousands of Kiwis not having a GP.

He joined Nick Mills to discuss the announcement. 

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