VANZ News Issue 6
Ministerial Advisory Group on Veterans' Health
A Ministerial Advisory Group on Veterans’ Health, established in April 2009 to advise the Government of veterans’ health issues, has concluded its term.
The Group was tasked with providing advice to the Government on prostate and lung cancer among Vietnam veterans. They provided advice on the establishment of a set of guidelines on the use of American Medical Association Guides in the war pensions context and the health implications for veterans who witnessed nuclear testing in the Pacific and hearing loss among veterans.
The Minister of Veterans’ Affairs has thanked the group, which included medical specialists in oncology, epidemiology, internal medicine, brain injury rehabilitation, medical law and ethics, for its work over the past two years.
Ms Collins said the Government is considering the most appropriate format for any future work on veterans’ health issues, in light of the recommendations of the Law Commission review of the War Pensions Act 1954 and that she intends to create a replacement group once consideration of the Law Commission’s recommendations is completed.
Reports provided by the Advisory Group can be accessed at: www.veteransaffairs.mil.nz