SECURITY SCHEME

Hokitika Guardian, 28 April 1939, Page 1

SECURITY SCHEME

? MATERNITY BENEFITS. (Per Press- Association—Copyright). WELLINGTON,. April, 28. A comprehensive-statement- on maternity benefits under the' Government's; Social Security scheme, was 1 issued, by I Hon. P., Fraser, to-day. The Minister states vihe believes 'there is-a general agreement (that; the provision of efficient maternity, services is one of the most important lobjecdives that could bs aimed at in a national health scheme, and hP appeals for wholehearted co-op-eration by medical men. nurses, private hospital licensees and the general public, to make the maternity benefit section a great success. ' After outlining the benefits under (he scheme and’ organisation regarding its inception,’ he states every effort has been-made to provide the best type ol service and be fair to both doctor, and patient; He-adds that it is estimated' the provision of the maternity benefits j section will cost the Social Security ! Scheme upwards .of’half a million pounds ] per annum. , -

CHRISTCHURGH MEDICAL MEN OPPOSED. • • ‘ ■*' •■. ” j'- '• ' . CHRISTCHURCH, April 28. Christchurch, doctors, almost, unanimously opposed acceptance of the maternity contract, a member of the Canterbury division of the British Medical Association said this morning. Thteir objection ' was taken to the terms of contract on numerous grounds, apart from feeling, he said, that the £5 fee for full attendance was inadequate for the services rendered. ■' : A doctor who considered it necessary to call in the services of one practitioners, was in an unjust position as the maximum > amount payable in respect of one patient was £5. A doctor attending a woman who called in one or more practitioners in an emergency, had to meet those practitioners’ fees himself. Furthermore, the whole contract was packed with such an enormous amount of red tape as between tlie doctor and the Health Department and medical officer of health, that-the wheels, would become clogged. The filling in of forms and other red tape reuirements would take up Jar too much of the doctors’ time.