HEALTH SCHEME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23178, 26 October 1938, Page 14

HEALTH SCHEME

COST TO HOSPITALS QUESTION OF DAILY RATE ASSURANCE BY MINISTER An assurance that when details of the social security proposals were being formulated full regard would bo given to the effect of the Act on hospital board finance generally was conveyed by the Minister of Health, the Hon. P. Fraser, in a letter received by the Auckland Hospital Board last night. Mr. Fraser's explanation was in reply to a resolution passed by the board expressing the opinion that tho allowance of 6s a day for each patient receiving free hospital treatment under the scheme was inadequate to meet tho cost.

"Tho rate of payment for hospital treatment will undoubtedly be determined having due consideration to tho Sums to be provided by levy on local authorities," the Minister stated. "I shall be pleased to ensure that consideration is given to tho suggestion of tho board that a graduated scalo of payments should bo mado on account of tho fact that certain of tho major hospitals will bo involved in much higher expenditure for specialist and out-patient services. "I would say, however," ho added, "that it is believed that, in respect of in-patients, a uniform daily rato will be found reasonably equitable and, at the saino time, it will mako for simpler administration." Mr. G. T. Parvin stressed the necessity for early consideration of tho district nursing service, which would bo an important part of tho hospital service under tho social security scheme. This service would be of value in reducing the costs to the hospitals. "The Minister obviously intends to treat the hospital boards fairly," said Dr. J. P. Hastings. "They have no reason to worry unduly about the matter." The letter was received.