FRESH PROPOSALS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20014, 12 August 1939, Page 13

FRESH PROPOSALS

MATERNITY SERVICE PLAN

SOCIAL SECURITY ACT

POSSIBLE AMENDMENT

FURTHER DISCUSSION

(Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. A statement was issued yesterday by Dr. ,T. P. S. Jamieson on behalf of the New Zealand branch of the British Medical Association on the present position regarding the maternity benefits under the Social Security Act. Dr. Jamieson said that the medical services for this benefit were virtually non-operative in most parts, as die vast majority of the profession would not accept the contract in connection with these services. Tire association, however, was unwilling that the public should be unable to avail themselves of this benefit and. to overcome the difficulty, had formulated fresh proposals. These were now being submitted to the Government.

The proposals of the Association involved amendments to the Social Security Act and, if accepted by the Government, would necessarily require further discussion and consultation.

“It must be understood that these proposals relate only to the maternity benefit,” said Dr. Jamieson. “The fact that they have been put forward implies neither acceptance of the Government’s scheme, nor any change of attitude on the part of the profession towards the other medical benefits. Further statements for the information of the public will be made as may be necessary.