DOCTORS AND INSURANCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15193, 6 January 1913, Page 5

DOCTORS AND INSURANCE

LLOYD-GEORGE AND THE ' : - B.M.A. IMPORTATIONS TO FILL . VACANCIES. By Telegraph.—Press Association.Copyright. (Received January 5, 5.5 p.m.) London, January 4. The British Medical Association, in replying to Mr. Lloyd-George's speech, declares that it is .doubtful whether one doctor in 100 has freely joined the panels for service under the National 1 Insurance Act. Economic ■ pressure, -the fear of the introduction of outsiders, and the Government's threats have, it is stated, compelled many doctors to accept service. • „ . The association is now organising a campaign to secure the free choice of doctors for insured persons in accordance with Section 15 of the Act.

Mr. Lloyd-George denies that the people insured are entitled to arrange with the doctors apart from the insurance committees or the commissioners. He adds that the Government will not allow such an arrangement. The Association's reply is that discretion in the matter is absolutely vested in the committees, and not in the Government. The newspapers strongly criticise Mr. Lloyd-George's speech to the National Insurance Advisory Committee, especially the proposal that doctors on incomplete panels may take assistants or partners, whereupon the panels will be closed, enabling . them to secure the whole insurance practice. v Mr.. Lloyd-George has promised to send to districts' as many of the assistants as may be needed. Where no panel exists doctors will be imported at a salary of £500 a year, but they will not be required to give their whole time to the insurance scheme and they will be allowed the right of private practice.