At least 200 people have attended a meeting in Rangiora on Monday to discuss the lack of a GP after-hours service in town.
They say the need for after-hours medical care in North Canterbury has grown after due to an influx of thousands of people from earthquake-hit areas.
Residents met to discuss the Government's response to an 8000-signature petition presented to Parliament in July asking that the after-hours service be reinstated.
Paula Thackwell, who organised the petition, says people are frustrated with the lack of Government response, especially as the need for the service is steadily increasing.
Mrs Thackwell says other areas throughout New Zealand will soon face similar problems if the Government continues to cut at health services.
The meeting was attended by Waimakariri MP Clayton Cosgrove and officials from the Canterbury District Health Board.
DHB officials say they are considering ways to plug gaps in GP services, including a phone service and a paramedic based in Rangiora.
