Association of Salaried Medical Specialists head Ian Powell told medical students this month in a speech that Dr Coleman "conked out" after a strong start.
A New Zealand Doctor editorial said "sector wisdom" had it that Dr Coleman was not interested in the role. Earlier this year, Dr Coleman had been tipped for a new portfolio, but ended up staying put in Prime Minister Bill English’s cautious reshuffle this month.
Labour health spokesman Dr David Clark said while he heard plenty of criticisms of Tony Ryall, Dr Coleman’s predecessor, nobody charged him with not being interested.
"Nobody would doubt [Mr Ryall’s] commitment to the sector and his interest in understanding what was going on.
"And the contrast is the conversations around Jonathan Coleman’s performance, where people in the sector say they feel that Jonathan Coleman is disinterested," Dr Clark said.
Dr Coleman opted to release a statement to the Otago Daily Times rather than agree to an interview.
He said he was proud to be the first doctor to serve as Minister of Health in decades.
"Any claim to the contrary [is] complete nonsense and in total contrast to the real gains being made in health, including the record $2billion pay equity settlement which will see significant pay increases for 55,000 aged-care and home support workers across the country."
The ODT has been looking at what Labour would do differently in health.
"As to how Labour might handle health, it’s total conjecture, except to say their past record is the best predictor of future performance.
"Only a National-led government can handle the economy and increase sustainable investment in health services," Dr Coleman’s statement said.
Dr Coleman has been in the role since October 2014.
