The reluctance to going to a General Physician among the people has made the hospital emergency departments to flood with patients beyond the adequacy. District Health Boards (DHB) is concerned at the practice and asking people to visit their GPs where possible.

The deluge is primarily due to a tendency to avoid the high bills to be paid to a GP during the holiday seasons which attract various other expenses.

Both Waitemata DHB and Auckland DHB have experienced rises of 25% and 15% respectively as compared to the last year's record. Auckland Hospital treated a record 201 patients on the New Year's Day.

The high cost of visiting a doctor outside the normal working hours is the main cause behind the surge. The cost can go up to $90 to see a doctor after normal working hours.

Though Dr. John Cameron, the Medical Director of Procare Health that represents GPs, agreed to the reason, he advised that people should visit their GPs on the first instance.

Waitekere Hospital Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Andrew Brant told that patients with minor problems such as cough and cold, renewal of prescriptions, even changing bandages, and minor cuts are also visiting the Hospital's emergency department.

Dr. Cameron said that if minor cases flood the hospital, the genuine hospital cases will suffer. He added that the DHB is trying to keep the prices low to make them affordable for everyone.

Chair of the Medical Association, Dr Peter Foley believes that the rise in lack of funding for General Practice is the prime cause for the rise in the price but hopeful to have a change.