Aims Of Medic-Alert Foundation Supported

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29952, 13 October 1962, Page 2

Aims Of Medic-Alert Foundation Supported

The progress of the New Zealand Medic-Alert Foundation has been “fully up to expectations,” according to the director of the foundation (Mr G. T. Reilly). The foundation was established in July by the Lions Clubs of New Zealand. It aims to encourage the wearing of tags by which personal medical problems such as diabetes or allergies may be identified in case of emergency.

National organisations which have either pledged support to the foundation or which are circularising their members, include Federated Farmers, Women’s Division Federated Farmers, member churches of the National Council of Churches, the National Council of Women, the New Zealand Registered Nurses’ Association. the Maori Women's Welfare League, the Municipal Association of New Zealand, the Prisoner of War Association, the Returned Serivces'

Association, and the New Zealand Junior Chamber.

"Approaches have been made to the New Zealand branch of the British Medical Association, and it is understood the executive of the association is investigating,” says Mr Reilly. In other countries medical associations are not felt to be essential for the success of Medic-Alert but New Zealand administrators of the foundation are of the opinion that they should have as close as liaison as possible with the medical profession. In order to have the strictest possible control. Although many members of the medical profession are on the foundation’s advisory board, official British Medical Association appointments to the board have been requested. "When official advice is received from the 8.M.A., a further approach will be made to the Government seeking an immediate financial grant. Any grant would naturally be contingent upon the association’s decision. Opposition from this source is not envisaged as no doctor to date has opposed the proposal. “In the meantime, the foundation is preparing and distributing educational material to acquaint the public with the objects of Medic-Alert,” Mr Reilly says.