N.Z. Doctor Replies To Lord Beveridge

Chronicle (Levin), 21 May 1948, Page 3

N.Z. Doctor Replies To Lord Beveridge

WELLINGTON, May. 20. "It is surprising that Lord Beveridgfe repeats statements that are misleading. and it is diffieult to understand why, ia - his survey of social security medicine Ln New Zealand, he omitted to place, himself in touch With' the B.M.A. -during his visit," sdid. 'an oiiicial of > the New -Zealand branch of the* B.M.A;, when eommenting on the statement of Lord Beveridge in Canberra on the medical sei'vices in New Zealand. "It is true that . during , the t. .war,- with 30 per cqht. of inenabfe'ra.i om military ; duties, oyerwprked ;do'ctors, in dr.der to attempt to give addcfuate medical attention to the publie, in some cases made abnormal incom.es. 'Howe-ver, -with the return of normal conditions, there has been a levelling out proeess and 'fantastically high' incomes are not now being made. Other abuses spokcn of by Lord Beveridge are^ greatly exaggerated and the remedy rests with the publie who, under the present service, have th'e freedom of choice of a doctor and who are not tied by capitation to one doctor whose work is 'shoddy'. The present medical service is oue that the B.M.A. and Government realise must be overhauled and improved upon. It was suggested that a joint '• comiaittee, o.f . .representatives of the fi.M.A: a"nd " fepresehtatives of '• the Health Department, should investigate th^ -whole .gej'vice. ^TMg. conimittee .ia noW finalising i'ts nepoit1 and it is'ahticlpated that inachinery will be created tfl coifect the :abuses of a. small minority and to improve the whole service."