SOCIAL SECURITY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 40, 27 November 1940, Page 3

SOCIAL SECURITY

MEDICAL BENEFITS SCHEME. PROPOSED FOR JANUARY 1. (Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, November 26. The introduction on January 1 of a general practitioner service under the Social Security Act passed two years ago is proposed under a Bill amending the Act to be brought before the House of Representatives this session by the Government. The first- mention of the Bill was made to-day at a caucus of the Government Party. No details were given, hut it is understood that all contributors to the Social Security fund will be eligible for the benefits. No statement on the progress of the negotiations between the Minister for Health (the Hon. H. T. Armstrong) and the New Zealand branch of the British Medical Association has been issued since Mr Armstrong presented his scheme to representatives of the doctors some months ago. A few weeks ago, at Wanganui, the Minister suggested that the introduction of general practitioner proposals would not he long delayed, and when interviewed within the last few days he replied: “We are getting the scheme in order. The public will get service.” The fact that a Bill amending the ■Social Security Act is to be brought down suggests that negotiations between the Government and the British Medical Association have broken down. Since the Act was introduced negotiations have been continued at intervals on behalf of the Government by two Ministers for Health (Mr Armstrong and the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser). Consistent and heavy opposition to the general practitioner scheme has been offered by the medical profession before and after the passing of the Act. The attitude of the doctors apparently has not changed, as alternative proposals have been submitted to their representatives at progressive stages of the discussions. Since the Labour caucus met about 10 weeks ago a firmer attitude has been adopted, it is understood, by the Government, representatives. At one stage a suggestion was made to the medical profession that they should enter into contracts to give medical attention to all beneficiaries under the Social Security Act earning a maximum of £5 a week. That was rejected and under the Bill to be introduced soon there will he no income or salary limit on claims for inclusion in the scheme. 1