HEALTH INSURANCE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 23, 28 January 1938, Page 6

HEALTH INSURANCE

DOCTORS AND FARMERS VIEWS EXPOUNDED The executive of the Wanganui Provincial District of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union invited representatives of the Wanganui Division of the British Medical Association to meet them on Wednesday to discuss National Health Insurance for the Dominion. Speakers on behalf of the doctors explained the British Medical Association’s views, and drew attention to their suggested “Plan for National Health Insurance.” The broad details of this plan wore explained, and it was pointed out that the asso ciation desired to discuss the subject on (he baiiis of this plan, but that up to date no definite Government proposals had been put forward, though negotiations wore .•••'HI going forward. Members of the Farmers’ Union ex plained that the-? main interest was in the subject of the rating for hospital service, and it was pointed out that while, roughly speaking, the towns’ populations used two-thirds of the hospital accommodation, the rural districts used only one-third, whereas in rural rating the country provided about two-thirds o( the cost. The Farmers' union hoped that in any scheme adopted for National Health Insurance, the proportion in hospital cost between town and country would bo rectified. They were emphatic that, they never at any time favoured the socialisation of the medical profession. They stated that the evidence given on their behalf before the Government Investigation Committee had mad? this point quite clear. No objection was raised by any member present lo the plan as expounded by the medicos, but strong views were exp;. LLi'd as to the hope that when the matter was dealt with by Pariiamcn, the inequalities cf rating might be removed. ;