SOCIAL SECURITY ACT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 30 January 1939, Page 2

SOCIAL SECURITY ACT

THE HEALTH BENEFITS cabinet ministers and DOCTORS DISCUSSIONS TO BE RESUMED UJuited Press Association 1 WELLINGTON, This Day. Discussions between the Government and representatives of the New Zealand Branch of the British Medical Association will be resumed in Wellington tomorrow., The Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage, said on Saturday that there was nothing to report about the arrangements for health services under the Social Security Act, but he expected good progress to be made after the forthcoming discussions. There were only two months left to arrange the scheme, and it would not do to waste time. The Government will be represented by the Minister of Health, the Hon. P. Fraser, and also, it is understood, by the Minister of Finance, the Hon. W. Nash. The representatives of the B.M.A. will be the president, Dr J. P. S. Jamieson, Nelson; Dr W. P. P. Gordon, Stratford; Dr P. P. Lynch and Dr T. D. M. Stout, Wellington. At this initial meeting special consideration is to be given to the various general systems or remuneration, according to an announcement made by Mr Fraser a few weeks ago. "It is felt,” he said, “that with the adoption

of some system of ‘payment for service,’ greater freedom of choice for the public and greater professional freedom for the doctors would be achieved than under a ‘panel’ or capitation system.”

“Following the setting up of advisory committees,” the Minister added, “negotiations will have to be carried out to determine the general form and actual terms of arrangements with doctors, chemists, hospitals, mid-wives and others and the basis of rates of remuneration for service and prices for drugs and medicaments.”

So far no announcement has been made as to the date on which any of the several health benefits are to begin to operate. However, an assurance has been given by Mr Fraser that every effort was being made to expedite the preliminary work, and that the dates would be made known as soon as possible.

Under the Act the health benefits are to come into operation at Ist April, 1939, “or at such later date as may be determined in that behalf by the Minister (being the earliest possible date on which arrangements for their effective administration can be brought into operation.”)