The government is giving district health boards (DHBs) an extra $4 million to deliver more colonoscopy tests.
Colon biopsy samples (file) Photo: A. BENOIST / BSIP
It comes as they prepare to roll out screening for bowel cancer, where the tests will play a key diagnostic role.
Health Minister Jonathan Coleman said the extra funding would support DHBs to continue reducing wait times for colonoscopy services.
He said 36 percent more patients got the test in September this year, compared to the same month three years ago.
That had helped reduce the number of patients waiting longer than they should for a colonoscopy.