Hospitals Under Social Security

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 204, 30 August 1938, Page 6

Hospitals Under Social Security

Per Capita Grant Inadequate SUBSTANTIAL r "CREASE ASKED I R Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Last Night. Fears that there would be little or no alleviation in the present burden of hospital taxation and the opinion that the proposed grant of 6s per patient from the special Stato fund would bo inadequate to meet the costs of treatment were expressed at a special meeting of the Auckland Hospital Board to-night, when the effects of the Social Security Bill were considered. Although unanimous iu advocating the necessity for an increased per capital allowance, members differed in their view as to the measure of hospital treatment that would be required following the introduction of the scheme. The chairman (Mr. Allan J. Moody) said the scheme was now in the hands of the Minister and his Departmental officers and it would perhaps be unwise to hamper their task at this particular stage. There was no doubt, however, that the Bill would require careful consideration by tho Legislature. The measure possessed a very wide aspect so far as hospital boards were concerned, in view of the many benefits which they would bo required to perform. Advice from tho Hospital Boards Association was that its executive would keep in close touch with tho position and a conference of boards would be called at a later stage, wheu tho Government’s proposals were advanced.

A motion was carried unanimously stating that the allowance of 6s was considered inadequate to meet the cost per patient and requesting the Minister favourably to consider the substantial increase in the amount.