MATERNITY BENEFITS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23885, 12 August 1939, Page 14

MATERNITY BENEFITS

SOCIAL SECURITY ACT FRESH PROPOSALS BY DOCTORS SUBMITTED TO GOVERNMENT (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON, Aug. 11. A statement was issued to-day by Dr J. P. S. Jamieson, on behalf of the New Zealand branch of the British Medical Association on the present position regarding maternity benefits under the Social Security Act. Dr Jamieson said that the medical services for this benefit were virtually non-operative in most parts as the vast majority of the profession would not accept the contract in connection with these services. The association, however, was unwilling that the public should be unable to avail itself of this benefit, and to overcome the difficulty had formulated fresh proposals. These were now being submitted to the Government. The proposals of the association involved amendments to the Social Security Act, and if accepted by the Government necessarily required further discussion and con•ultation. “ It must be understood that these proposals relate only to the maternity benefit,” said Dr Jamieson. “ The fact that they have been put forward implies neither acceptance of the Government’s scheme nor any change of attitude on the part, of the profession towards the other medical benefits. Further statements for the information of the public will be made as may be necessary.”