The Washington times., 1930-01-22
High Cost of illness and
Subsidies for the StOrk

WAsHNGToN physicians, surgeons dentists and other
professional men and women having 70 do with treating
the sick will be as deeply interested and Of
moderate in the findings of the New York Academy
OF Medicine that all is not well within the medical profes
sion'' -.
The American Medical Association understands that all IL
not well and has committee that expects take much time
lin finding to combat the high Of illness The New
York Academy Medicine does not wait to make long
examination but frankly enumeates these garng abuses
in New York:
ovechargng Of patients who cannot afford the fees
demanded.
2. Unwarranted claims by so-called specialists
s. Fee splitting
Unnecessary operations In hospitals by physicians
unframed for their work.
Many patients can testify to the truth Of these charges
The victims not from the ranks of the rich who afford
the best treatment but from the great middle
workers and wage earners to whom sickness financial
well physical calamity
new Gotham Hospital for white collar workers subsi
dizng the PATIENTS well the hospital
practical plans under way in New York remedy this
condition
In fighting WITHIN the profession another praise
worthy and encouraging STEP Every reputable physician
pray that 1t gets results.
Washington often pointed out by this newspaper
the situation appeals strongly to all human beings The
dgent get treatment at certain hospitals from pubc
funds The rich and prosperous get every medical and
surgical attention they need The middle classes
with barely enough money to live but still proud and
desrous Of paying their bills the victims and sufferers
from present deplorable conditions.
pang high prices Of hospital and medical Young
men and women of moderate marry. They desire
children They desire homes One experience motherhood
puts them deeply in debt It will take many months maybe
years. to become free from financial obligations even If
hospitals and physicians willing wait their money
they able to borrow from somebody who will wait
In Europe they handle these things better than do In
Sweden for example committee Of medical and other
appointed by the national legislature proposes that the sok
be subsidized, that child birth may not decrease
Part Of the subsidy would be paid mothers reccmpenss
nf and
help in defraying lyngin expenses.
It is likewise proposed that medical advice be furnished
expectant mothers half of the fees being paid by the State
and half by the mothers able that lngn hospitals
be provided and operated public expense that
and helpers be made available.
In all probability this great plan will be adopted Sweden
while the rich United States ignores perfectly papabe
tions.
Our Congress has spent months devsng ways
the high tariff rates American industries In addition
the high tariff already existing sugar serious consideration
has been given subsidy of year American
sugar growers High tariffs subsidies
Mothers, the producers and grouOers of American
children, upon Uhom this great republic de-
pend must look out for themselves best they cun
the immense majority Of them and their husbands
uUth Just sufficient to meet daily household
demannda