DOCTORS’ FEES

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26266, 10 November 1950, Page 8

DOCTORS’ FEES

REPORTED AUTHORITY FOR INCREASE MINISTER REPEATS DENIAL (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, November 9. An allegation that a Health Department circular to all doctors gave them authority to increase their charges for a consultation fee was again denied by the Minister of Health (Mr J. T. Watts) in the House of Representatives to-day, when the Medical Practitioners’ Bill was further discussed. The Acting-Leader of the Opposition 'Mr W. Nash) had referred to a circular sent by three doctors in partnership to their patients saying that the Government and the British Medical Association nad agreed on an additional charge—to be 10s 6d where formerly it was 7s 6d a visit—and to a Heaith Department circular implying that the charge could now be 10s 6d a visit.

Mr Watts said that no such agreement had been made. No circulars from the Health Department contained any instruction for an increase, nor had any direction been made by the Minister, the British Medical Association. or the department. The circular referred to by Mr Nash only illustrated the method of charges under the refund system. There was nothing in the circulars to give any indication that doctors had authority to make a greater charge than at present.

Mr C. F. Skinner (referring to the . circular from the three doctors): What ; is the Minister going to do about it? • Mr Watts: I’m going to deal with it, quick pnd lively. The Minister added that he Expected 1 Opposition members to give him the 1 names of doctors who. they claimed, had increased their charges.