A new survey of general practice owners has delivered a boost to the Opportunity Party just days before the election, while raising concerns about Labour’s promise of three free doctor visits a year.

The General Practice Owners Association (GenPro) surveyed 132 practice owners across New Zealand about the health policies proposed by political parties.

When asked which party they would support based solely on health policy, 42 percent selected the Opportunity Party, followed by National on 19 percent and ACT on 13 percent.

Labour and the Greens each received 8 percent, while New Zealand First attracted 0.8 percent.

Another 9.1 percent were undecided or expressed no preference.

The Opportunity Party’s proposal to increase the proportion of Health New Zealand funding allocated to primary care received support from 93 percent of respondents.

However, only 14 percent supported Labour’s promise to provide three free GP appointments annually.

GenPro chairman Dr Angus Chambers, a Christchurch GP, said practice owners were concerned the proposal could increase demand at clinics already struggling with workforce shortages.

“We think it’s a good idea to improve access,” Chambers said, but warned of the risk that doctors could become even more overloaded.

ACT’s proposal to increase general practice funding by $100 million annually attracted 86 percent support.

The Greens’ focus on prevention and community healthcare received 80 percent support, matching backing for New Zealand First’s proposal to reduce administrative and compliance costs.

Labour’s other health initiatives attracted considerably stronger responses than its free visits policy.

A proposed review of telehealth funding received 77 percent support, while 71 percent backed a digital innovation fund for general practices.

Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall defended the party’s proposals, saying they would improve affordability while helping clinics meet demand.

“Our policy is about making primary care more affordable while ensuring GP practices are properly funded. Independent pricing is central to that.”

Verrall said Labour’s wider programme included measures intended to free up capacity for 4.5 million appointments.

Chambers said the survey reflected the priorities of people responsible for running medical practices.

“This isn’t a prediction of the election result. What it does provide is a useful indication of which health policies resonate with people running general practices.”

The findings come as a separate Rural Health Network survey of 141 rural practices reveals continuing pressure on healthcare services outside major centres.

Nearly half of responding practices, 48 percent, reported having at least one GP vacancy, while 46 percent said their facilities were no longer fit for purpose.

Rural Health Network chief executive Dr Grant Davidson said the findings showed the pressure facing the sector.

“This survey shows a sector working incredibly hard to hold things together, but it also shows the cracks.”

The GenPro survey represents the views of participating practice owners rather than all GPs or the wider voting public.

The results come ahead of Saturday’s general election, with healthcare access and GP funding among the issues facing political parties.