SOCIAL SECURITY

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20844, 30 June 1939, Page 8

SOCIAL SECURITY

MEDICAL BENEFITS ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE SATISFACTION EXPRESSED (By Telegraph.—Special to Time*) WELLINGTON, Thursday Satisfaction with what had been achieved in the- way of medical beneHts under the Social Security Act was expressed by the acting-Leader of the House, the Hon. P. Fraser, during the debate on the Imprest Supply Bill. Mr Fraser said he doubted whether there was now any great difficulty in the way of the doctors signing the full contract. “It is wrong to say that nothing has been provided for the amounts paid in,” Mr Fraser declared. “Already the private maternity hospitals have received 822 patients, for which they have received more than £7OOO. The hospital boards have treated 4'BD patients, for which they have received £15750, and obstetric nurses have attended 78 cases and have been paid £O4O. More than 140 u mothers have received assistance from the Social Security Fund in the last few weeks.” Cases Attended Tho 30 doctors who had signed the maternity contract had cared for a very large number of cases, said Mr Fraser. Up to June 20 more than 400 certificates had been received from these doctors. The number of births was about 2000 a month, and tho number of doctors who had signed was about 5 per cent of the profession. The fact, therefore, that they had attended about 400 out of 2000 births showed that they were giving a very considerable measure of service. The Minister said it was made clear when the Bill was first brought before the House that the benefits would take some time to arrange, especially the medical benefits. The regulations were gazetted as rapidly as possible, and now the only hitch was the disagreement between the doctors and the Government, a disagreement which was not really serious and which would, he hoped, be overcome soon. MR R. McKEEN IN OFFICE CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Thursday The appointment of Mr R. McKeen (Government —Wellington South) as Chairman of Committees was formally made in the House of Representatives today. Mr McKeen’s appointment was moved by the acting-Leader of the House, the Hon. P. Fraser. .Mr McKeen was congratulated by the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. A. Hamilton, and briefly returned thanks.