Winston Peters accused Paula Bennett of using people's illnesses to gain "political points" during an exchange between the two over healthcare in Parliament.
Mr Peters was answering on behalf of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in Question Time today when Ms Bennett brought up the issue.
"Does she believe it is fair and reasonable for New Zealanders to currently have to travel to Australia to get the care and access the drugs they need?" National's Deputy Leader asked.
Mr Peters pivoted back to what he says was inaction by the previous National Party led government.
"On behalf of the Prime Minister, given that's what they've been doing for the nine years the National Party was in government, they had to do all that and more with a substantially reduced health budget which is not the case with this Government.
"Because of this Government having a sense of conscience and fairness it will be looking into the matter," he replied.
Ms Bennett then also referenced the Helen Clark led Labour led government in her next question.
"Is she aware that in a previous Labour led government New Zealanders were having to travel to Australia just to get access to the care they needed for cancer now they also have to travel there to get access to the drugs?"
Mr Peters then answered pointedly.
"Speaking on behalf of the Prime Minister she is going to ask her Minister of Health to look into it.
"But I want to say this, on behalf of the Prime Minister as well, there's nothing so dreadful or turgid or despicable as to use people's illness and sickness for political points."
Malcolm Mulholland, the husband of late-stage cancer patient Wiki Mulholland, was emotional as he addressed reporters outside Parliament today. (Source: Other)
The exchange came after campaigners calling for Pharmac's funding model to be investigated were left bitterly disappointed yesterday when the Health Select Committee voted against recommending an inquiry.
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