MEDICAL PRACTICE

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 441, 24 May 1937, Page 6

MEDICAL PRACTICE

SERVICE FOR DOMINION Health Insurance Proposals Press Association —Copyright. Christchurch, May 24. “We feel that the deficiencies in medical practice should be dealt with first and foremost and that a stal't should be made by giving a complete and highly efficient service to those in the Dominion who are unable to procure the service at the present time, namely the indigent,” saidi Dr 1 . T. D. M. Stout, president of the New Zealand branch of the British Medical Association, in a ; statement on Saturday about the proposals for a national health insurance scheme. Dr. Stout said that while he was giving hie personal views his statement could be taken as representing the general views of the association. He urged that any scheme should be approached cautiously and he claimed that a start with the class of people he suggested would allow evolutionary development with the possible r iditiohs of any other sections of people as it grew. The institution of a scheme to cover those who, though able to procure satisfactory medical attention, are unable to make adequate financial provision for it when a prolonged illness occurs, would by many be held to be desirable,” continued Dr Stout. ‘‘This section of the community could possibly be brought into the scheme when the mhehinery has been got into smooth working order and when more »ime for the study of our complicated has ensured. "Nothing, however, should stand in the way of provision in the first place of a full and complete service for those who are unable to procure it now,” he said. "Thalt is the real needi of the country at present and should be met as the first step in any national health insurance scheme.”