HEALTH INSURANCE

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 285, 29 August 1935, Page 10

HEALTH INSURANCE

More Information Needed

FAR NORTH PROBLEM National health insurance was mentioned at last night’s meeting of the Dominion executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union. This question has already been the subject of discussions between representatives of the union and the Counties’ Association, and the intention now is to discuss the proposal with representatives of the Hospital Boards’ Association. Mr. W. W. Mulholland (Canterbury) said there was .a little doubt, as to the exact amount that should be included in such a scheme, Obviously the scheme could be overloaded witli benefits making it a burden upon contributors. It was essential to have a great deal more information and know the cost of such a scheme. Generally the conference between the union and the Counties’ Association was sympathetic toward a compulsory contributlve scheme providing hospital benefits and possibly medical benefits, but there was some reservation as to just how far it would be reasonable to go. The president, Mr. IV. J. Polson, M.P.. suggested that the matter be delayed until representatives of the two bodies had met the Hospital Boards’ Association.

It. was mentioned by Captain 11. M. Rush worth, M.l’., that the problem in the Far North, in view of the percentage of Maoris, did not lie in the direction of a contributive scheme. Such a scheme would lie out of the question. The problem of health services for the Maoris was becoming very urgent, but he could not see that the present proposal would be satisfactory. Mr. Polson said the committee representing the union and the association was unaware of the facts mentioned by Captain Rushworth. That was a question requiring special attention.

At the suggestion of Mr. Mulholland Captain Rushworth agreed to furnish a written statement of the position in the North.