Political parties are staking their claims on the health high ground, as the September elections approach.

Health Minister Tony Ryall says in the last five years, more than 1700 extra Southern District Health Board patients have received orthopaedic surgery.

He says across New Zealand health boards have delivered 23,000 orthopaedic surgeries.

Meanwhile, Green Party health spokesman Kevin Hague, claims the Government is not putting enough money into the sector, or is spending it on the wrong things.

Hague is visiting Dunedin next week, as the campaign heats up.