Women's health group questions why colposcopy wait times lag behind other scans
Women's Health Action has raised concerns that reductions in colposcopy waitlists are far smaller than those seen for CT, MRI and other diagnostic services.
Women's Health Action is scrutinising the latest health-system data after Minister of Health Simeon Brown reported a 21% overall reduction in diagnostic waitlists. The group notes that colposcopy waitlists have declined just 9% since June 2025, far slower than the 48% drop for CT scans and 33% for MRI. Isis McKay, the group's manager, asked whether the use of private health providers might explain the uneven progress.
She emphasized that understanding these disparities is essential for equitable, timely access to care across regions. The group is urging the government to publish detailed information to maintain public trust in the health system.
Why it matters
Unequal wait-time reductions could mean some patients face longer delays for critical cervical screening.
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