A—7

9. Since the Governments of Asian countries may be unable for some time to afford the substantial subsidies required to finance such pension schemes, by reason of the large outlay they have to make for social services to which a higher priority should be accorded, the following measures should be taken as first steps towards making adequate provision against the risks of old age and death : (а) The institution of compulsory provident funds for as many categories of workers as possible, and, in particular, for all regulated labour; (б) The extension of the scope of existing State-managed insurance schemes (such as the Postal Insurance Scheme administered by the Government of India), or the introduction of such schemes for the benefit of persons of small means. E. Crop and Cattle Insurance 10. With a view to affording a larger measure of income security to cultivators, Governments should consider the possibility of organizing crop and cattle insurance schemes, either for the country as a whole or for those parts in which it may be possible to take immediate action. 11. Medical Care 11. Having regard to the predominantly rural character of most Asian countries and their village economy, the absence in many areas or communities of a money economy, the low standard of living of the population in general, the general need for an extension of medical care facilities, and the prevalence of preventable disease, medical care should preferably be provided, not by means of social insurance or social assistance services, but rather by a public medical care service for the whole of the population without contribution conditions or the imposition of a means test, subject to the proviso that social insurance schemes or other schemes for medical care for limited sections of the community, such as industrial workers, should, in suitable circumstances, be inaugurated in advance of the schemes of general medical care where these do not at present exist. 12. In the organization of medical care services consideration should be given to the following principles : (a) The medical care, general health, and sanitation services should be integrated or be closely associated, with a view to rendering medical care more effectively by strengthening and extending preventive measures and environmental hygiene ; (b) Where provision is made for special medical care facilities for wage earners by means of social insurance contributions, such facilities should be provided through, or supervised by, the health authorities administering the public medical care service for the whole population. PART II The Conference invites the Governing Body—(a) To request the Office to undertake detailed studies of the social insurance schemes which have already been implemented or may be under consideration by the Asian countries, such studies to show the extent of application, the scale of benefits, the conditions for the grant of benefits, the administrative organization, the method of financing, and the total cost of such schemes ;

24