MEDICAL SERVICES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 30 June 1943, Page 4

MEDICAL SERVICES

NO DETERIORATION IN N.Z. MERITS OF SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM MR NORDMEYER SPEAKS LN HOUSE Wellington, This Da\ A denial that general medical services of the Dominion had deteriorated owing to the introduction of Social Security legislation, was made in the House of Representatives last night by the Minister of Health, Mr A. H. Nordmeyer. The Minister said that there were doctors who would do their best work under one or other of the schemes in operation, while there were others who were of the opinion that they would be worth most to the community if they were completely freed from necessary details of the capitation or fee for service schemes and were rewarded on a salary basis. The Government was prepared to meet the wishes of doctors who held that view. There were other practitioners who claimed that they could give best service to the community if they worked together to provide a group or clinic system. Under such a system there would be room not only for the general practitioner, but for the specialist and consultant. The Minister said it appeared impossible to get unanimity within the medical profession or even a measure of agreement, but if there were a chance of unanimity in any one area and doctors in that area wished to join in and co-operate in the institution of a clinic service, the Government would erect the clinic or make it available for them, and would provide every facility for doctors to join in a scheme that would be beneficial to themselves, and what was more important most beneficial to the community. In two districts negotiations were taking place between medical men and the Government to institute such a service.

DOCTORS WITH FORCES PRAISED

The Minister said: ‘‘The doctors serving with the armed forces are doing a splendid job,” and added that the tribute to them paid by General Frey berg was well deserved. The majority of doctors in New Zealand were carrying a greatly increased burden and some were having their health undermined. When the war was over and doctors had returned there would be an opportunity for the Government to utilise their services, and the services of young men now being trained, for the institution of a comprehensive health scheme. Such an organisation would not be satisfied merely to cure people of their illness, but would prevent the onset of disease. Increasingly as opportunity offered, emphasis would be placed on the preven tive aspect The keynote of the future must be prevention as well as cure.