HOSPITAL COSTS

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXV, Issue 12297, 10 April 1937, Page 2

HOSPITAL COSTS

EQUITABLE SHARING LOCAL RATES AND GENERAL TAXES VIEWS OF MINISTER The Hon. r. Fraser, Minister of Health, in a letter read at yesterday’s meeting of the Taurauga County Council, stated; “I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of March 12, conveying a resolution of your Council urging that the present system of finance under the Hospital and Charitable Institutions Act should be altered, and hospitals sould be nationally maintained out of the Consolidated Fund. The Government is desirous that there shall be an equitable sharing of the cost of hospital and charitable aid as between contributions from local tales and contributions from general taxes. I regret, however, that I cannot agree with the suggestion that the ratepayers should be relieved of their fair share of hospital costs. Outhospitals provide one of the cheapest services at the disposal of the people, and New Zeaalnd is fortunate in having one of the best bospital systems in the world. In anj review of the present system, it is necessary that careful, regard be paid to the division of administrative responsibility and control in connection with hospitals and allied services Moreover, the apportionment of contributions in respect of these services has to be considered in relation to the demands made on rates and taxes, respectively, m connection with other public .services. I may say that several measures already or shortly to lie inaugurated will undoubtedly have the direct effect of relieving local rates, and of increasing the charge upon the Consolidated Fun- in respect of social services, for example, the extension of pension benefits, Including alterations in the rates and qualifying conditions of old age, widows, miners, and war pensions, and tion of pensions for invalids. *ur thermore. as tne Council is probably aware, an important question at present receiving the Government s attention is ihat of. national health insurance, and proposals in this connection are regarded as definite bearing on the question of both local body and Government conlnbutions for hospital purposes. Mr C. H. Burnett, M.P., in acu nowledging a letter from the Council in regard to hospital rating, said the question was being liv the Government. He strongly favoured hospital rates being taken off the backs of the ratepayers. The letters were received.