POSITION OF FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 40, 17 February 1939, Page 6

POSITION OF FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

MEDICAL PROVISIONS OF ACT Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Last Night. Aspects of the Social Security Act were reviewed by the Minister of Fiuance, Hon. W. Nash, in a luncheon address. “The monetary benefits will commence on April 3,” the Minister said. He quoted in detail the increases in pensions and said the existing pe-i----sioners would not need to make application for the increases, as the Social Security Department would automatically make adjustment on April 1. Iho organisation of the Department was well under way and the machinery would be ready on due date. “Although we have had several conferences with the groups concerned with the health benefits, we have not vet reached finality,” he added. “The health section is entirely new and & vast amount of preparation is necessary to ensure that the scheme will work efficiently and that all legitimate Interests are adequately safeguarded. Wo are determined that nothing shall bo allowed to hinder the essential personal relationship between doctor and patient, tho free choice of doctor for all contributors and the right of every doctor to participate if he wishes.

“We recognise that every person who renders service is entitled to adequate payment for his sendees, and we have in "mind that the remuneration of doctors should at least not be less than they aro receiving at present. The same principles apply in tho case of tH chemists, midwives and nurses who participate.”

The Government was anxious to safeguard the position of friendly eocieties, medical institutes and all similar bodies that had rendered wonderful service in the past, Mr. Nash added. Consultations with them must be finalised before tho detailed plans were brought into operation. The Government would make the medical sections of the Act available as soon os possible after April