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MEDICAL BENEFITS

UNDER SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEME DOCTORS STATE THEIR CASE. REPLY TO ALLEGATIONS. In connection with the contract for general practitioner service under the Medical Benefits Scheme which was offered at the beginning of March, there still appears to be confusion in the mind of the public in regard to the stand taken by the doctors. The following statement on the subject is made by the New Zealand branch of the British Medical Association: —

“So far from refusing to assist the Government, the New Zealand branch of the B.M.A. took the first step in February, 1936, by interviewing the Minister of'Health, and offering him its cooperation in the preparation of such measures as his Government might be undertaking in the interests of the health of the people. This offer came spontaneously from the association at the earliest possible moment after the present Government first assumed office.

"Later, through selected representatives, the association did its best to assist and advise the Government. Il placed its views before the Investigation Committee appointed by the Government as a preliminary to the preparation of legislation. At the request of that committee a plan was prepared with great care with a view to effecting improvements in both the prevention and treatment of disease for the benefit of the whole population. An eminent medico-social authority was brought from Home, and his advice placed at the disposal of the Government. Cabinet Ministers and Departmental officers were met on numerous occasions, when the fullest information and explanation were given on points under discussion. Lengthy evidence was given to the Parliamentary Select Committee; and offer was made to ensure workable provisions for medical benefits by previous discussion of the' terms of the Social Security Bill.

ADVICE REJECTED. "It is true that the association’s efforts to co-operate were unavailing. It cannot be said we would not assist. The Government would not be assisted. It passed an impractical act in' the face of contrary advice. Nevertheless, after the passing of the Act, the association still tried to assist. On one point it was successful. The medical service of the Maternity Benefit, as provided by the Act and the subsequent regulations, proved impossible. The Government accepted the collaboration of the association and amended the Act to permit the introduction of the system now operating.

HOSPITAL BENEFIT INSTITUTED. “The Hospital Benefit depended wholly on the goodwill of the doctors to maintain staffing. Though conscious of many defects in the system being introduced, the association Look much trouble to make arrangement with the Hospital Boards’ Association which enabled the Hospital Benefit to become effective. This was done to assist the Government, when a serious impasse might have occurred had outside staffs ceased to attend. The truth is that the Government could not have proceeded as far as it has gone in fulfilling its promises to the people without the co-operation received from the doctors. SERVICES MAINTAINED.

“Again, in September last, the association offered to reconsider the matter of the general practitioner service. This was rejected by the Minister. Nevertheless, the association gave assurance that it would, to the extent of its ability, maintain civilian service and meet the necessities of military requirements. This promise has been loyally kept, and though about forty per cent of our number arc with the armed forces, the civilian work is going on. "These are facts. Wherein do wc fail in co-operation? We are co-oper-ating even to the extent of saving the Government from fateful blunders.

Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WAITA19410414.2.32

Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 April 1941, Page 5

Word count
Tapeke kupu
577

MEDICAL BENEFITS Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 April 1941, Page 5

MEDICAL BENEFITS Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 April 1941, Page 5

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