The Waikato Times FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1938 SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEME

Waikato Times, Volume 123, Issue 20692, 30 December 1938, Page 4

The Waikato Times FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1938 SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEME

Interest in the Social Security Act has been quickened by the statement of the Minister of Health that negotiations with the New Zealand branch of the British Medical Association are to be resumed next month and by the reply of the association that its attitude to the scheme is unchanged. The Government’s task has now changed from promise to performance, and many difficulties have yet to be overcome before the full programme of social security can be launched. It is evident that while social security was a successful election weapon, realisation of the enormous responsibility and cost of the scheme has sobered the enthusiasm with which the plan was put forward.

Ignoring appeals that superannuation and health services should be introduced on a less ambitious scale and built up as experience indicated, the Government insisted on plunging into the most comprehensive scheme in the world. It has taken the risk and now laces the real difficulties. It is a fairly safe assumption that at. least the health provisions will not be introduced at the scheduled time. That possibility the Government foresaw, and made provision for the inauguration of that part of the scheme at a later date if necessary. Apparently the necessity has arisen, judging by the statement of the Minister that no decision was yet possible regarding the date of inauguration. It is not improbable that the Government will find it necessary to modify its plans considerably before the scheme can be launched in workable form.

The most significant passage in the Minister’s statement was that “it is felt that with the adoption of some system of ‘payment for service,’ greater freedom of choice for the public and greater professional freedom for doctors will be achieved than under the panel or capitation system.” With this admission the Minister has reopened the scheme widely for reconstruction and has provided much more latitude for negotiation with the medical profession. It was the cast iron regimentation to which the medical men objected, and on that point there has apparently been no yielding by the profession. The widespread investigation now being made by the Government may reveal other equally important points where the scheme may be modified. The chief danger, however, lies in the bulk cost of the whole plan, and there is no indication so far that the Government intends to adopt a more cautious attitude, unless it is compelled by circumstances. Everyone was ready and willing to undertake the responsibility of improved superannuation and health schemes, but there are many who fear the Government has gone too far and imposed a burden which the wealth-producing systems of the country will be unable to support. It is not yet too late for modification of the plans. If the Government’s investigations reveal that the burden of the Social Security Act as it stands will place the country in financial difficulties the Administration will not sacrifice the public’s respect if it has the courage to proceed with greater care and build the scheme gradually. Social security is the platform upon which the Government stands, and it should not take an undue risk that it will break down under its own weight.