"HIGH COST OF HEALTH."

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 219, 16 September 1930, Page 6

"HIGH COST OF HEALTH."

The ,"higli cost of health" is becoming a grave problem to people of moderate means, not because the doctors are becoming millionaires, but because of the multiplicity of charges for many things that now seem necessary for every-operation or illness (says the "Times"). Drastic remedies have been proposed. One suggestion is State control. To save the medical profession from any such "socialisation," the organised doctors of America are urged to take the bull by the horns, and establish their own medical centres- for rich and poof. Such is tho remedy proposed by Dr. Malcolm L. Harris, of Chicago, retiring president of the American Msdical Association, at the opening session of that body's recent convention at Detroit. "Medicine is being besieged on every side by forces that are constantly growing stronger , and stronger," declares Dr. Harris, "and unless some defensive effort is made to break the siege, the profession - must eventually capitulate, become socialised, and become employees of the State." Dr. Harris suggested that American medical societies incorporate or organise for business purposes, and establish medical centres, owned, controlled and managed by the societies themselves. These societies would provide all those unable to pay regular fees with the most advanced type of medical treatment, at prices ■ commensurate with their financial ability. As "an actual illustration of what may be expected to happen to the medical profession when it loses control of its own business/' Dr. Harris cited the formation of the' Public Medical Service Association in 'England,\ whichsaiim.s at establishing a universal medical service by the Government, available to the entire irrespective of ability to pay. A" bill to this effect has already been introduced in the .House of. Commons and it is admitted that the movement will bo opposed by the medical But when the legislation is passed the profession will have to bow to the inevitable, as when the National Health' Insurance Act was passed.- ' "The idea is that health is of such vital national importance that the 'question of. one's 'ability to pay should never arise," said Dr. Harris, in explaininsr the motives behind the British proposal. "Here is, an. actiial illustration of what may be expected to happen to the medical profession when it loses control of its own business." Just as the British Medical Association was fighting tlie socialisation of medicine in England, so .must medical societies in America seek to counteract the movement in this.conn try by volun'-. tary co-operation, said Dr. Harris according to the' "Times" report, which continues: "A situation similar to that in England confronts the medical profession in Belgium and Germany, where, as a, result of legislation favouring the poorer classes,, it is becoming increasingly more difficult for physicians to make a living. Dr. said: 'It is infinitely better to do these things voluntarily than'to be foro.ed to.yield to coercion. It is-unwise to put'this matter off from' year to year while the siege of medicine iis drawing-its- lines fighter' and tighter.'"