A FREE MEDICAL SERVICE.

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20910, 18 July 1933, Page 10

A FREE MEDICAL SERVICE.

AID FOR RETURNED SOLDIERS.

MEETING OF DOCTORS SUGGESTED. Consideration is being given by the Christchurch Returned Soldiers' Association to the formation of a free medical service for returned men who are not in a position to pay for treatment, and the possibility of a free or cost-price chemists' service. An interim report presented to a meeting of the executive of the association last night stated that the committee was considering requesting Dr A. J. Orchard to call a meeting of all Christchurch doctors who had served in his Majesty's forces. The committee would place before that meeting a proposal that a medical committee of the association should decide the eligibility of all applicants for free medical treatment before being sent to a doctor. Basis of Elegibility. The basis of elegibility would be that only returned men in need 01 treatment and unable to pay would be nominated. All applications for treatment under the service should De made on a form provided for the purpose and obtainable from the secretary. The applications would receive thorough investigation by the medical committee of the association. All applications approved would be referred to the doctor in whose district the applicant resided. Each approved applicant would be issued with a letter of authority. Possibility of Repayment. Any soldier availing himself of the free medical service should undertake to pay all or any part of the medical services given if the applicant received direct financial benefit, either by subsequently being granted a pension, having an existing pension increased, or through a grant from a fund operating in the interests of distressed soldiers, the committee deciding any liability of the applicant. The report recommended that a suitably worded certificate should be presented to doctors offering their services to the honorary medical service of the association. Free Medicines Suggested. The committee proposed also to investigate the possibility of a free or cost-price chemists' service. It was also within the prov'.ice of the committee to consider a reasonable service in dentistry, either free or at cost price. Mr W. E. Leadley said that the executive should be satisfied that a man who was sent forward was, first, unable to pay for the service, and second, that he actually needed medical treatment. "It must not be forgotten that this scheme is for the assistance of men who are continually breaking down in health because of war service, and who are not recognised by the Pensions Department," said Mr T. L. Drummond. "Only a Proposal." Mr Leadley said that so far it was only a proposal for investigation by the committee. No definite decision was reached, the report being solely for information, and the committee will give it further consideration.