Who is getting into medical school and health courses? Study shows affirmative action’s successes and failures

Medical school building

7 Nov 2024

NZ Herald

Affirmative action programmes at the University of Otago have significantly lifted Māori, Pacific and rural enrolments over the last 30 years but have failed to increase student numbers from poorer backgrounds.

Māori made up 20% of enrolments at the university’s medical school over the last four years, reaching parity with European and Asian enrolments for the first time.

However, the health profession courses at Otago were still dominated by students from wealthy backgrounds and top schools, despite growing efforts to recruit more people from disadvantaged communities.

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Key issues

HEALTH SERVICES AND SYSTEMS

Covering developments in the provision, funding and organisation of health care services.

EQUITY

Exploring the impacts of the health system on minorities within the population, notably including Māori, Pacifica, Asians and LGBTQI.

DRUGS, DEVICE AND DIAGNOSTICS

Covering prescription medicines and medical devices.

PUBLIC HEALTH

Focusing on efforts to promote health and prevent disease through social and economic interventions.

DIGITAL HEALTH

Exploring the potential digital transformation to provide a more connected and accessible health system.

TE TIRITI

Monitoring how the health reforms and the performance of the health sector uphold Te Tiriti obligations.