National Health Insurance

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 66, 19 March 1936, Page 5

National Health Insurance

HOROWHENUA COUNTY FAVOURS SCHEME

A letter was' received at the moutlx,y meeting of the Horowlicnua County Council this week from tka Now Zealand Counties’ Association asking for an opinion on tho following resolutions, which were carried at the recent conference convened to discuss hospital rating:—(a) That tho Government bo urged to promote a compulsory national health insurance scheme for medical, dental and hospital treatment and (b) That the financing of such a scheme be met by compulsory contributions from employers and employees, subsidised by the Government, and that provision be ma’i for the inclusion of workers on their own account, e.g., farmers and small business men.

The chairman, Mr. G. A. Monk, stated that ho was present at the conference between tho delegates of Counties, Municipal Association and Hospital Boards, when the two resolutions were adopted almost unanimously. However, he thought the conference had failed somewhat in its purpose. The resolutions went part of tho way, but what was worrying counties was tho levy and the method of making the levy. A capital levy fell heavily on counties and whilo a national scheme would assist, the burden would become heavier. He was present on behalf of the Counties and though he considered that the scheme would help, there would still be some people who could not enter into such a scheme and would still be a burden on hospital boards. He still felt that the incidence of taxation and the method of levying it was inequitable. The Council had bc~i asked for its opinion, as evidence would probably have to bo given by the Counties’ Association to a special committee.

Cr. Jensen asked if it would not be advisable to wait and sec what the Government’s intention was. It had been a burning question as to how to provide funds for sickness as well as hospital purposes. There was one thing which was evident to all and that w:.~ that when people became sick they were asked to pay at a time when they could least afford it and those enjoying good health were asked to pay. The scheme should be a national one for all people at all times. Tho chairman pointed out that the Association w: s anxious to assemble as much evidence as possible to the proposal in general and not in detail. The quetion was whether tho Council were in favour of a national health scheme or not. Cr. Best moved that tho Council approve of the scheme and the chairman, as a member of the committee, could watch the position. Cr. Jensen seconded the resolution. Cr. Gimblett considered that school dental clinics should bo included in the scheme. At present there were insufficient officers and children only paid one visit to the clinic in a year. The

system, lie thought, emanated in Lescheme urns carried out on the lines of vin, w'herc some years ago Mr. D. S. Mackenzie realised the value of proper care to tho teeth of children. If a tho ono which that gentleman started, it would bo a very fine thing. The motion was carried by the Council.