HOSPITAL COSTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23037, 14 May 1938, Page 14

HOSPITAL COSTS

Giving evidence before the Wellington Hospital Commission, the town clerk of that city suggested it was more heavily burdened with hospital costs than any other in New Zealand. He may be right, though careful examination of much data would be needed before the point could be settled. This is hardly necessary, because the same witness raised a much more important issue immediately after, when he said the Gity Council felt that the Government should make a special annual contribution, additional to the usual subsidy, in view of the' widespread demands made on the Wellington Hospital. There may be a good case for this, but if the Government did as suggested, it would be opening the floodgates. Every district where the hospital treatment of Maoris creates a problem would be encouraged to renew the demand, often made, for assistance in bearing the burden of this special service. The claim is strong now; reinforced by the precedent created if the Wellington proposition were accepted, it would become overwhelming. Actually there is looming, in the near future, a very extensive question regarding hospital service, and the way its cost is to be met. The Government's social security policy, as announced, is to include free hospital treatment for all. It is free now to all who cannot pay, the main burden of expense falling on the ratepayer. Obviously the rates could not meet the cost of universal free treatment if no more assistance than the present Government subsidy were given. Ultimately the people inust pay, either through general or local taxation. The present method of assessment, in which land ownership is the basis, would never meet the extended purpose. If the Government's proposals are to be given effect, the whole question of services and finance will have to be reviewed.