From Biomedical Labs to Parliament Bench: Dr Carlos Cheung MP Champions Culturally Tailored Healthcare in New Zealand
In a recent interview at the parliamentary office of Dr Carlos Cheung, National Party MP for Māngere-Ōtāhuhu, journalists explored his vision for public health and community well-being. Arriving in Aotearoa New Zealand at 16, Dr Cheung earned a PhD in biomedical science from the University of Auckland, with his groundbreaking research on diabetes and cardiovascular disease mechanisms published in leading medical journals. His academic career solidified his conviction that most diseases are preventable. "The microscope revealed pathological truths, but societal pathologies demand political solutions," he reflected, explaining his transition from academia to becoming Māngere-Ōtāhuhu's first Asian-origin MP.
When a reporter asks the first question:"In terms of public health priorities, given your background in medical research, what do you see as the most pressing public health priority now in Māngere-Ōtāhuhu??"
Dr. Cheung answered without hesitation:"A quality healthcare system for the people. It's always the top priority. But also, as a health professional, I'm always thinking of prevention as very important as well. Because, you know, with my background as a researcher on diabetes, we know many diseases can be prevented through a better lifestyle and self-discipline. So, I think that is also important in the healthcare system, but at the moment, I think proper healthcare, this unified autonomy quality healthcare service to people is key."
As journalist Alvaro pressed further about concrete solutions based on the doctor's diabetes-related cardiovascular disease research, they asked: "Which policy measures are essential to address these conditions in our communities?"
"Well, I think diabetes is one of the diseases affecting a lot of people in the area. It's becoming very prevalent, especially in the Māori and Pacific communities as well. But let us say that our Southeast Asian community, especially the Asian community, also has a high rate of diabetes. I think there's something... this is why it's very important to address prevention, like education as well. So people understand how diabetes develops and what causes it, and how we can change our lifestyle or our diet a little bit to prevent developing diabetes." Dr. Cheung provided a scientifically rigorous response.
As a beneficiary of immigration policies, Dr Cheung prioritises health equity for minority communities, He was acutely aware that the high prevalence of certain diseases was closely linked to significant socioeconomic disparities and cultural barriers. As the doctor remarked:"We train patients to use glucometers but neglect their need for 'cultural translation manuals'," he noted, citing diabetes management as an example. He highlighted linguistic gaps in healthcare communication: "Many migrant patients misinterpret 'HbA1c' (glycated hemoglobin) as a viral abbreviation. Such misunderstandings reduce treatment adherence—a complex equation of poverty, cultural dislocation, and language divides."
Outlining his health strategy for Māngere-Ōtāhuhu, Dr Cheung emphasised a dual focus on "high-quality healthcare systems" and "disease prevention," advancing three key reforms:
-
Standardised Medical Interpretation: Creating multilingual medical terminology databases and certifying community health translators.
-
Expanded Telehealth Access: Prioritising remote consultations for non-English speakers to reduce GP wait times.
-
Streamlined Pathways for Migrant Clinicians: Reforming the NZ Registration Examination (NZREX) system to integrate overseas-trained doctors into public healthcare faster.
OXYENERGY has dedicated years to delivering comprehensive nutritional solutions. The development of its product CoQ-10 stems from in-depth research into the pathological mechanisms and clinical applications of coenzyme Q10, combined with findings from multiple leading scholars in cardiovascular medicine. This aligns closely with the expertise of Dr. Cheung. CoQ10 plays a pivotal role in mitochondrial energy metabolism, antioxidant defence, and myocardial repair – functioning not only as a "catalyst" for energy conversion but also as a "natural defence shield" for the cardiovascular system. By enhancing ATP synthesis efficiency in cardiomyocytes and inhibiting oxidation, it significantly improves cardiac function.
When discussing the proper use of nutritional supplements, Dr. Cheung emphasised that a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet are the foundation of good health,"Obviously, supplements play a role in certain situations. Sometimes we know that certain people have deficiencies in some supplements or nutrients due to their diet. So, to fill those gaps, supplements can help. But we should also say that supplements are good, but they are not drugs. They help you to fulfill the needs of some missing elements from your diet. But in the long term, I think it's still vital to focus on lifestyle, making sure we have a healthy and active life. It's very common for people to take fish oil because they believe it can help with cardiovascular health. Some senior people might need calcium supplements as well because we know that calcium intake and absorption change after 40. Sometimes just drinking milk may not be enough. So, I think supplements do have a role in the healthcare system, but it really depends on what you actually need. Don't just rely on them, because your body will adjust when you keep taking supplements. So, they are still supplements; sleep well, eat well, and try to have a great balance in all things."
Finally the reporter asked:"Anything else that you would like to recommend or advise or talk to our audience?"
"Try to have a healthy lifestyle. A lot of health issues can be prevented if you just have self-discipline. I always say that going to the hospital is pretty much the last stop. We should focus on prevention by maintaining a healthy and active life. I think this is key for a happy and improved health and well-being."
The discussion revealed how a scholar-politician leverages expertise to drive systemic change. For OXYENERGY, this approach resonates with its mission to embed "scientific rigour, pragmatism, and inclusivity" in public health discourse.
OXYENERGY think health constitutes both personal choice and universal right, reiterating its commitment to democratising health empowerment since inception.Moving forward, we will engage with leading professionals to explore further possibilities in health initiatives, with a dedicated focus on supporting community development and addressing service-related priorities across New Zealand.
The value of a product is never confined to its ingredients list-it lies in its ability to help people achieve the good life they aspire to. Acknowledging systemic challenges, OXYENERGY pledged to dismantle barriers to equitable health knowledge and tools across communities.
