Manawatu Evening Standard. THURSDAY, JULY 22, 1937. THE PEOPLE’S HEALTH.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 198, 22 July 1937, Page 8

Manawatu Evening Standard. THURSDAY, JULY 22, 1937. THE PEOPLE’S HEALTH.

Never before in the history, of New Zealand, probably, has the subject of the people’s health in the general sense of the terra received so much attention as is being focussed upon it to-day. Hospital boards are perplexed by the need for additional accommodation and staffing, and one of the major subjects for discussion when the next session of Parliament is held, at no distant date, will be the inauguration of a national health insurance scheme. For some months a Government Committee under the chairmanship of" Dr. D. G. McMillan has been collecting evidence and statistical data for the guidance of the Government in framing its proposals, and it can be assumed that, although little has been seen of concrete proposals arising out of their work, there is the practical certainty that some system of national health insurance will be introduced. In this respect the plan put forward by the New Zealand branch of the British Medical Association, this week, gives food for a good deal of study. The plan may be termed an alternative to what the branch believes the Government aims at in the form of a “universal general practitioner service,” to come into operation on April 1 next. So far as public information goes, this is the first intimation of what basis the Government intends to work on in its proposals. The branch points out what to every taxpayer is the crux of the subject—the probable cost. In view of the taxation charges which even a limited health insurance scheme would involve, “the public (its says) should have an opportunity to weigh the cost against the assumed advantage. It has been estimated that a universal practitioner service, and other associated services, would mean an addition to taxation of £3,500.000 a year, equivalent to 7d to 8d in the pound on all wages, salaries, or income. This is a large burden. It would have to be assumed immediately if the project is to be put into operation on April 1 next, as we have been assured is the intention.” It is contended that there is nothing in the health condition of the country to indicate a necessity for such speedy adoption of new remedial measures at so great fiscal cost, and, in brief, the branch urges a cautious policy. The timeliness of this advice 'must be appreciated. In the absence of detailed proposals by the Government Committee a comparison with the branch’s plan is impossible. It must be remembered that the proposed legislation is such as to affect directly every man, woman, and child in the Dominion, if a general service is contemplated, and for that

reason alone the most prudent consideration should be given the subject by those at the head of the Government. Hasty action, especially in view of the fact that the experience of other countries, particularly Britain, in health insurance schemes is available and should be closely studied, should not.be countenanced. •