BRITISH INSURANCE SCHEME.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3582, 23 July 1912, Page 6

BRITISH INSURANCE SCHEME.

RUPTURE BETWEEN DOCTORS AND GOVERNMENT RUMORED-

[triritisD PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT] LONDON, July 21.

' A private representative meeting of the British Medical Association at Liverpool, by an overwhelming majority, voted for a resolution, awaiting a confirmation at a plenary session. A correspondent states that the resolution recommends a rupture of negotiations with the Government.

[For some weeks to come a good deal of discussion will centre round the new scheme of public medical service drafted by the State Insurance Committee. Local branches and divisions of the British Medical Association will consider the scheme and approve or suggest amendments. _ A good deal of amendment in detail is probable. The scheme is of the utmost importance to the public, as it will in effect replace the medical benefits of the Insurance Act if negotiations with the Chancellor and Commissioners break down. There are reaHv two schemes, one on the payment per head system and the other on the payment per attendance system. Both have an income limit of eg per week, and both provide for the neoessarv association of doctors in each locality. The subscription shall not he less than threepence per week. This will provide ordinary medical mid surgical treatment, but special night visits, confinements, etc., are regarded as extras. Some medical" men object to the schemes as a confirmation of the vicious principal of contract practice, but as the demands of the doctors’ under the Insurance Act really moan a perpetuation of contract practice, that argument fails- At the minimum rate of threepence per week •i pavment per head of 13s per annum is secured to the doctor as compared with the Ss Gd (exclusive of medicine) demanded bv the profession under the Insurance Act. But against that extra amount must be placed the risk ct defaulters and subscribers in aricais, and the cost of administering the schemes. Families may be insured, and every, person has the right to choose his.own doctor. In contrast to the National Insurance Act, these schemes provide for the sale of the practices, which is an important asset to medical men and their dependents. At a representative meeting of the members of the medical profession, held in Preston last month, the following resolution was carried unanimously: “That- no member of tins division shall accept any post, administrative or medical,.remunerative or otherwise, until the minimum demands of the British " Medical Association are accepted.]