HEALTH INSURANCE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 11 September 1937, Page 3

HEALTH INSURANCE

VISIT OF NOTED ENGLISH AUTHORITY Of special interest in view of the Government's intention to introduce early next year a national health insurance scheme is the visit to New Zealand of Sir Henry Britten Brackcnbury, the noted English authority on the subject and a member of the advisory committee to the British Ministry of Health (says the "New Zealand Herald”). He comes at the invitation of the New Zealand branch of the British Medical Association, whose concern with any local scheme needs no emphasis and whose willing co-operation will be essential to success. At the same time Sir Henry’s qualifications and special knowledge should not be overlooked by the Government, however well it is armed with official reports. Recourse to personal experience is often more useful than digesting any number of blue-books. At present, unfortunately, neither the medical profession nor the general public have anything official to go on as to the principles or scope, of the Government’s scheme, although the legislation on this subject of universal interest will be placed before Parliament six months hence. At this late date, therefore, there is really nothing definite that could be placed before an expert like Sir Henry, with a request for discussion and counsel. It is important that the profession and the public should be informed of what is proposed, so that they can become familiar with the principles and the practice. In thaL way only can an educated body of opinion be formed ready to give that co-operation which will be essential to success. The Minister of Health should not delay any longer in opening his mind. His scheme should be all the stronger in the end, and better assured of success, if it is well examined and talked over by doctors and laymen prior to its being debated by Parliament.