FRESH PROPOSALS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 189, 12 August 1939, Page 15

FRESH PROPOSALS.

MATERNITY SCHEME.

DOCTORS' ATTITUDE.

DISCUSSION NECESSARY,

<I>j- Telegraph.—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Friday

A statement was ie-sued to-day by Dr. J. P. S. Jamieson, on behalf of the New Zealand branch of the British Medical Association, on the present position regarding benefit* under the Social Security Act.

Dr. .Inmieson said the medical services for thU benefit were virtually 11011operat ivc in most parts of the Dominion, as the vast majority oi tlie profession v.ou.d not acc-pi <.■ litracls in connection with these vices. The association, however, was unwilling that the public «• Httiiiri b° limbic. to o .ail themselves of tliis benefit, and to overcome the didi'•ulty had formula tod fresh juooosals. I hese were now :ie:ng submitted to the (iincnmient. I lie proposals of the association involved amendments to the Social Security Act, and if accepted by the ( ■overninent necessarily require<l further discussion and consultation.

It must be understood that these proposals relate only to the maternity iK-nefit," naid I)r. Jamieson. "The fact that they have been put forward implies neither acceptance of the Government's schemc nor any change of attitude on the part of the profession toward other medical benefits. Further statements for the information of the public will bo made as may be necessary."

NOT APPROVED.

CONTRACTS STILL OPPOSED.

(liy Telegraph.—Press Association.)

WKLLIXGTON, Friday

A reply to a report that the medical profession has approved, through the medium of a ballot, of acceptance of contracts for maternity servicers was made this evening by Dr. J. P. S. .Inmieson on behalf of the British Medical Association.

"I wish emphatically to repudiate the statement that the medical profession has approved acceptance of contracts for maternity services under the Social Security Act," said Dr. Jamieson. "The doctor* will not accept any such Government contracts. They prefer to remain the personal medical attendants of their patients. There is a real difference between maternity and public works, and the doctors refuse to become Government contractors. The inauguration of the general practitioner service is still at issue."

AGREEMENT LIKELY.

OPINION OF MINISTER.

(By Telegraph—Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON". Fridav

Little difficulty is expected by the Minister of Health, the Hon. P. Fraser, in reaching a complete agreement with the British Medical Association on the details of the requisite legislation and regulations giving full effect to the maternity benefits under the Social Security Act. Mr. Fraser paid in an interview to-night that he had heard with gratification that a majority of the doctors had agreed to the association's proposals. "I liave received an intimation froni the general secretary of the association. Dr. P. P. T>yncli," said Mr. Fraser. "that the referendum on the proposals drafted by the association and submitted to its members has resulted in a majority vote in favour of the proposals."