STATE SERVICE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 114, 17 May 1939, Page 8

STATE SERVICE

MEDICAL BENEFITS THREAT BY MINISTER THE ALTERNATIVE TO ' “CO-OPERATION” I Per Pre., Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, May 16. “If the medical profession under the leadership of the B.M.A. is determined to persist in its opposition, then the Government will have no option but to alter the whole basis of service and to proceed reluctantly and regretfully with the establishment of a State medical service and administer the benefits of the Social Security Act.” This statement was made at the Addington School this evening by the Minister. Hon. P. Fraser, at the Labour Party’s opening meeting in the Christchurch South by-election campaign. •'Their offer of co-operation bears a remarkable resemblance tc dictation by a minority to the majority of the people and to the elected Government of New Zealand.” said Mr. Fraser. ”1 hope we will be able to arrange something, because co-operation is better than fightir.-t. but that is the position of the Government. “The Government is pledged to institute the medical benefits under the Social Secu-ity scheme, and the annual amount which is at least equivalent to the combined annual incomes of the medical profession, has been estimated and will be allocated for the purpose. It is recognised that a State medical service would cause considerable disorganisation among the medical profession of the Dominion and because of these likely consequences it is not to be lightly undertaken, but I think it only fair that the inevitable result of the policy of non-co-operation, opposition and' consequent obstruction -’tould be pointed out at this stage.” Tb-> Minister said that while the amber of maternity hospitals and obstetric nurses who had signed the maternity benefits contracts was very satisfactory, it was evident that the medical profession as a whole was determined. at least for the time being, on a policy of non-eo-eperation. The attitude of the New Zealand branch of the B.M.A. raised certain important issues which must be faced by the Government.