MEDICAL SERVICE

Hokitika Guardian, 11 December 1940, Page 6

MEDICAL SERVICE

STATEMENT BiY MINISTER, (Per Press Association—Copyright) : AUCKLAND, Dec. 10. “I think that in the end common sense will prevail, and that the doctors will be parties to the Government scheme,” said the Minister for Health (tbe lTo(n:ti. T. Armstrong) this afternoon, when discussing the attitude of elie medical profession to' the medical benefits provided under the amendment to the Social Security Act which . was passed by Parliament last week. Air Armstrong said he felt sure that doctors would show "the same co-opera-tion as every other section of the community. The regulations had already ( been prepared, and were now in the hands of the law draftsmen for overhaul. “They will be ready for operation it any time, and the scheme will soon be pat into practice,” lie said. Although no.t in a position to mention ’ the date, the Minister said it would be early in rile New Year, and it was proposed, also at ar. early date, to make out-patients’ services at hospitals free. There was a good deal of preliminary work to be done, including the appointment-'of additional staff and office accommodation. The Minister said lie would like to J see an agreement between the Gov- I eminent and the medical profession, but if one was not arrived at, it would make no difference as far as proceeding with the scheme- was concerned. “I can say definitely that the public will get the service as soon as possible in the New Year,” he added.