COST OF HOSPITALS

Grey River Argus, 17 October 1936, Page 4

COST OF HOSPITALS

RATEPAYERS’ SHARE. PALMERSTON N.. October 15. An early review of hospital administration in the direction of relieving ratepayers of part or all of the contributions now made towards hospital expenditure was recently suggested to the Government by the Kairanga County Council. The council received a reply from the Minister of Health (the lion I’. Fraser) who stated that the Government was desirous that there should be an equitable sharing of the cost of hospitals and charitable aid, as between the contributions from local latcs and from general taxes. Careful regard' had to be given, however, to the division of administrative responsibility and control in connection with hospitals and allied services. Several measures already inaugurated, or to be inaugurated, would undoubtedly have the directi effect of relieving local rates and of increasing the charges on the Consolidated Fund in respect of social services. The Minister mentioned, by way of illustration the extension of pension benefits. Moreover, an important question at present receiving the Government’s attention was that of national health insurance and proposals in that direction were regarded as having :i definite bearing uu the question of both local body and Government contributions for hospital purposes. “I regret that I eiannot agree with the suggestion that the ratepayers should be relieved' of their share of hospital eost'4.” added Die Minister. “Our hospitals provide one of the cheapest services at the disposal of the people and New Zealand is fortunate in having one of the best hospital systems in the -world.”

“I cannot agree wtih the Minister.” said the county chairman, Mr. D. Collis. “The effect of recent legislation will be that the Palmerston North Hospital Board w'll have to find another £5OOO a year.”