These researchers contend that the current global economic crisis will have health consequences for the New Zealand population. With reference to the economic and social changes of the 1980s and 1990s in New Zealand, the article suggests that the health impacts will probably have the greatest affect upon those who are already socio-economically deprived, and in ethnic minority groups. The article contends that we should expect to see increases in suicide rates that will be amplified if primary and mental health services are weakened by parallel funding restraints. In addition, it is predicted that we shall see increased rates of short-term morbidity from mental illness, infectious diseases, and acute incidents of cardiovascular disease. The researchers list some policy recommendations that would enable the prioritisation of publicly funded services, and help to monitor and reduce the impacts of the economic recession on health.
