NATIONAL HEALTH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22209, 9 September 1935, Page 6

NATIONAL HEALTH

INSURANCE ftDVOGATED MEDICAL All) DEUYED " There is nothing very radical io the piroposa'l that New Zealand should institute a. national, health service," said Mrs. "W. T. Anderton, a member of the Auckland Hospital Board, in an address to members of the New Women's Club on Ifriday. "These services are operating in 23 countries, including Japian and Chile, and surely ?rhat is poislble in these countries is possible in New Zealand. " Under our present system in the Dominion thousands of people delay calling in medical assistance, owing to economic circumstances, and this delay undoubtedly contributes to the overcrowding of our hospitals. A big hospital crowded to the doors like our Auckland Hospital is does not always mean that more beds are required. It often indicates tho need foir the application of ittore brainii .to tie prevention of disease. Our objective must cease to be one of minimum iitay in hospital, as lit present, but must become one of completely curing the patient and discharging him fit for work." It was surprising that New Zealand, which led tbe way in many aspects of humanitarian legislation, should lag so i'ar behind in the provision of an adequate health service. "In New Zealand to-day more than a quarter of a million people receive (heir medical attention through the facilities provided by Friendly Societies," added Mrs. Anderton. '"While admiration is due for the efforts and achievements of this voluntary development, it cannot be considered an adequate solution of our health problem. Many people fail to participate, many because of i.ack of means."