RESUMO
The beginnings of grass-roots primary care are taking shape in New Zealand's Maori community. By referring to a scheme initiated in the Waikato area, the authors explain the difficulties encountered by this ethnic minority in striving towards self-help in matters of health.
PIP: This paper discusses the establishment of a Maori health center in Waikato, New Zealand. The center was staffed by 3 health care female workers, and registered nurses, and emphasized disease prevention, nutrition, and family planning services. In addition, an antenatal component having midwives and obstetric nurses was later added to the center. This center was set up at a time of political and social revitalization in the "Nga Ringa Aroba" tribe. Among the responsibilities of the health center was to reach out to the community and provide preventive and educational services. Clearly, the efforts of these health workers influenced peoples' awareness of health related disorders and good health habits. Also this program proved that health improvement through personal commitment was feasible. However, this establishment faced strong resistance from the existing government agencies; the staff from Maori health center were denied diagnostic tools and their responsibilities were reduced to referral services only. Consequently, the Maori community has received mixed messages from the government bodies in New Zealand as to what is expected of them. With regards to the community as a whole, there is mounting evidence of dissatisfaction with the health services and in turn people are increasingly relying on potentially dangerous alternatives, such as traditional healers.