Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Volume 38, Number 13. 12th June 1975

Public Versus Private Health Care

Public Versus Private Health Care

On page 119 the reader finds 'Methods of Remuneration' — or 'Who pays for the doctor?' There are six alternatives: totally private practice; the present system (i.e. fee for service) with or without patient contributions; a contract scheme (where each GP would 'contract' with the RHA for a list of patients — which would seem to present problems if you want to change doctors) with or without charges to patients; and a salary system, giving free medical services and set salaries for doctors, regardless of services. While there are plans for all shades of opinion to be heard, the Government's thinking is obviously on a contract system which seems too restrictive to me, the salary idea being far better. It is a large issue though, which can't really be gone into here.

The most noise in reaction to the White Paper has been from private hospitals fearing something or other. What this something or other is I'm not quite sure — and I don't think the Government is either. After the angry demonstrations we saw earlier of the private health sector, this is confusing at the least. Consider the following gems:

The confused inter-relationships and responsibilities of the various public and private health services are 'relics of years gone by' (p80). If it can be accepted that sound health is a fundamental human right, then health services are a social service and not a marketable product. (p91).

There should be true freedom of choice for patients who elect not to use State provided health services and are prepared to meet the full cost of private services. (p91) The Government will give further consideration to the future of various forms of financial support and subsidy which have enabled private health services to flourish in NZ (are they going to outlaw the National Party?)

It would appear from all these kites flying in the wind that Labour is sort of committed to reviewing private hospitals, but the entire atmosphere is such a tenuous, almost nebulous one, that pretty well anything could happen.