SOCIAL SECURITY DEADLOCK

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20775, 8 April 1939, Page 6

SOCIAL SECURITY DEADLOCK

Unanimous rejection of the medical provisions of the social security scheme by the New Zealand branch of the British Medical Association has created a very difficult situation for the Government and one that will call for prompt action. The Government until the last minute was apparently hopeful that the medical profession would co-operate in the administration of the scheme. Indeed, its confidence was so strong that it launched the whole “contributory” aspect of the scheme and part of its benefits in the declared belief that the medical men would agree to operate under the Act.

What is the next step to be ? Obviously the Government cannot operate the scheme without the co-operation of the medical profession. Is it prepared so to amend the proposals that the approval of the doctors will be forthcoming ? In any case, negotiations must occupy considerable time, and the question arises whether the Government is justified in the meantime in collecting heavy taxation from the people to provide benefits which they are not receiving. The general public will have only one opinion on that point.

Rejection of the scheme as it stands does not imply that the medical men are opposed entirely to some form of medical benefit. They are, in fact, strongly in favour of a complete free medical service to those unable to provide for themselves; it is to the inclusion of rich and poor alike that they object. Recasting of the scheme to provide for those who are in real need of the service seems to be the only reasonable way out of the deadlock. It would have been far better for the country had the same principle been applied to the whole of the services that come within the purview of the Social Security Act. If the medical profession convinces the Government of the need it will have performed good service to the country.