INSURANCE PLAN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23060, 10 June 1938, Page 19

INSURANCE PLAN

FEDEBAL LEGISLATION

DOCTORS UP IN ARMS TALK OF "UNSEEMLY HASTE" [from oun OWN correspondent] SYDNEY, June 4 The council of the New South Wales branch of the Britsih Medical Association last night, in considering the national health insurance scheme, accused the Federal Government of "forcing unacceptable conditions upon an aggrieved profession" with "unseemly haste." The council asserted that the remarks of the Federal Treasurer, Mr. Casey, in his speech in the House of Representatives on Thursday, were in no sense a reply to the council's criticism of those features of the terms of service under the scheme which it found objectionable. The council is not indulging in any propaganda against national health insurance as such, but against the terms of service proposed to be introduced into Australia.

"We maintain strongly," said the statement, "that the medical service falls far short of that provided under the present friendly society practice in Australia. The common form of agreement with the friendly societies provides for medical treatment not only of the member, but of his wife and dependants. Mr. Casey's scheme has completely overlooked the wives and dependants, and left them to fend for themselves. There can be no doubt that many of these dependants will be forced to seek free advice and treatment in public hospitals, and in this way increase the burden on the States. Overcrowding Allegations

"Mr. Casey's statement that there Trill be no overcrowding of surgeries and lowering of professional standards is not supported by the testimony, of many practitioners who have had postwar and recent experience of panel practice in England. "The issue is by no means as simple as Mr. Casey thinks. His raising of the income limit and omission of the dependants from medical benefits will, undoubtedly, cause a lowering of professional income, for which he has made 110 compensation whatever in his low capitation rate. "We have already quoted a report from our Federal executive, showing that it did not bind the profession at large. We must emphasise that the secrecy imposed on our Federal executive acted seriously to the detriment of the profession. This secrecy not only led to delay in consulting the general practitioners, but also to delay in the elucidation of many new facts bearing on national health insurance. We are sure that these new facts, if considered at the time of the conference, must have influenced negotiations.

Reopening of Discussion XJrged "We contend that it is not too late now to reopen the discussion on the terms of service. What is the need for haste? Is it not better to give every interested section a hearing in order to ensure a service which will be a credit to all? Is it not infinitely preferable to commence an entirely new health service, with all interested parties working harmoniously together? As it is, the Government with unseemly haste is forcing unacceptable conditions upon an aggrieved profession. We are in a better position to know how the lowering of professional standards is going to aflect the insured public." Delegates from medical associations in country centres throughout the State met in Sydney last night and discussed the National Insurance Bill. Suggestions for amendments to the bill to overcome objections raised by country doctors will be placed before the council of the New South Wales branch of the British Medical Association