MEDICAL SERVICE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23137, 8 September 1938, Page 15

MEDICAL SERVICE

KOBE CRITICISM

"NO GENERAL DEMAND" OBJECTIONS TO THE SCHEME [by TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON, "Wednesday Criticism of the universal provisions in tlio hoalth section of the Social Security Bill was voiced by Opposition members during the committee stages of the bill in tbe House of Representa-

tives to-night. It was stated that there was no general demand in tlio country for such a service and that. 70 per cent of tlio people would prefer to make their own arrangements with their doctors. The Minister of Health, the Hon. P. Fraser, said that under the new scheme people would be aide to select their doctors as they could now, except that where a doctor was popular and had too many patients to look after successfully his panel would be limited. That would obtain under any scheme, partial or otherwise. Apart from the difference over income limitations, there was no serious difference between the Government and the medical profession over the details of the scheme. Full Service Where Needed

Mr. S. G. Holland (Opposition— Christchurcli North) said that tho universal provisions constituted the point at which the Government and the Opposition parted company. A partial scheme for all was envisaged, whereas tho Opposition believed that a full scheme for thdse who could not afford adequato attention was what was needed. An essential part of any health scheme was the co-operation of the doctors, and the doctors had already made it abundantly plain that they would not give their full co-operation to the Government's scheme.

Dr. D. G. McMillan (Government — Dunedin West) said tho only sensible way to finance a health scheme was on a group basis. To say the doctors would give a less valuable service under the scheme was a libel on the profession.

Mr. Hamilton: A universal,scheme is not wanted. Tlie majority of the people are not in favour of it.

Mr. J. A. Leo (Government —Grey Lynn): You wait and see. ]\lr. Hamilton: What is the sense of taxing all the people to provide a servico for the rich as well as the poor?

Equal Treatment for All The Minister of Finance, the Hon. W. Nash, said the fundamental theme of the bill was that a good doctor would not be forced to work for nothing and a patient would not bo forced into the position of accepting charity. That frequently happened at present. A panel scheme as suggested by the Opposition would divide the community into two classes, but the Government's scheme would provide equal treatment for all. The doctors woidd give better service under the scheme even than they were giving now, because they would not have to worry about fees.

After some further discussion tho clause was passed.

INJURED WORKERS

COMPENSATION PAYMENTS SAFEGUARDING RIGHTS NEW CLAUSES INTRODUCED [ry tki.kgkaph— special ri: pouter] WELLINGTON, Wednesday A provision for safeguarding tho rights of workers to weekly payments of compensation under the Workers Compensation Act is included in the Statutes Amendment Bill which was introduced in tho House of Representatives to-day by Governor-General's Message.

With regard to the computation of weekly payments under the original Act it is stated that these payments will not be ended nor diminished except in the following cases:—Where the weekly payment is in respect of total disablement and the worker has actually returned to work; whore an agreement has been reached with the worker concerned; or where a competent Court has given leave tSr judgment. if a medical practitioner certifies that a worker is wholly or partially recovered, or that his incapacity is not entirely due to the accident, the Arbitration Court, or a magistrate, may grant leave to end or diminish weekly compensation payments. Any such action will have no effect in the determination of whether or not the worker is entitled to compensation. If an employer neglects to observe the new provisions he will be liable for double the amount in respect of which default is made.

Another clause provides that certificates already given by medical committees are not to be conclusive and in this respect time for the commencement of an action will date from tho passing of the bill instead of from the date of tho accident, while even if judgment has been entered there will still be a right to commence further proceedings.