NATIONALISING OF HOSPITALS

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160725, 11 August 1920, Page 9

NATIONALISING OF HOSPITALS

BARRED BT THE GOVERNMENT. (By Telegraph—Special to “Herald”). WELLINGTON, August. 10. It was suggested by Mr McCombs, when a small amendment to the Hospitals and Charitable Aid Bill was introduced to-day, that the Government should place hospital subsidies on a national basis. The member pointed out that a city district, such as Christchurch. had to pay much more for hospitals than the surrounding country, where hospital accommodation was not so complete or up-to-date, though the country people took advantage of the city hospital facilities .Elvery part of New Zealand should contribute equally, according to its ability, which was only possible by making the Consolidated Revenue bear the whole cost of hospital administration. “I think there is considerable force in the argument for a nationalised hospital system,” admitted Mr Parr, Minister of Health, “but it would mean that the Government would have to find close on .£500,000 more money than it pays for the same purpose to-day. The remainder, about ,£600,000, is found by the local ratepayers.” The Minister also referred to many other claims upon the Treasury, suggesting that he could not, under these conditions, go to the Premier and ask for a million for hospitals’ nationalisation- It had not been attempted in any country in the world, but he would like New Zealand to be the first to try it, though he must, at present, try to cut his coat according .to Ms doth. The present subsidy system was inequitable, and it was proposed this session to introduce a Bill for a fairer basis of subsidy. (Hear, hear.) He proposed to introduce a new scale of subsidies on lines approved by the conference of hospital authorities.