Evening star., 1939-10-24

labored from earliest times, sacrific.
Ing all material gain and often life
itself. In order that you and I
might live in healthful and pro-
ductive security. Today, when med
ical science offers greater promise
than ever before, the tragedy IA
that millions Of people have not
the means to pay. The national
health program was designed to
bridge that gap, through the CO.
operative enort Of all who do or
can contribute to the solution Of a
common problem and the tightening
OF a common burden.
Health Bill Points,
As outlined in the national health
bill which I have introduced, the
program proposes grants-in-aid to
the States for the expansion of
public health services and maternal
and child care, the construction of
needed hospitals and health CEN
ters, the development of general
programs Of medical care and the
provision Of temporary disability
insurance. I have also introduced
separately q proposal for retirement
benefits to wage earners who be-
come permanently disabled, to be
paid out Of the old-age insurance
fund established by the Social
Security Act.
Nothing In this program infringes
upon the exclusive province of the
medical profession to determine
medical needs and administer med.
1cal needs and administer medical
care. 1t does not create any vast
medical bureaucracy or raise new
barriers between doctors and pa
tients. My sincere purpose is to
break down the economic barriers
that now exist and to bring the
doctor-patient relationship to the
millions who do not now enjoy its
solace and its healing benefits.
Nor does the bill project the Fed
eral Government into the exclusive
domain of the States. Federal CO.
operation with the States in matters
affecting the public health began
long ago: began, in fact, in the ad-
ministration of George Washing.
ton. In this field at least we have
long since passed the time when
doctrinaire disputes over States
rights have clouded the cooperative
effort toward the common goal
Speaking through their health off,
GERS, the States have testified to the
value of existing Federal aid, the
cooperative spirit in which it is
being administered, and the need
for its expansion along the broad
lines of The program am proposing
The Federal Government will not
dictate to the States the scope and
nature of their services or the
methods Of financing. The bill
simply establishes the cooperative
basis upon which to build a healthie,
and a happier Nation. Toward the
close Of the last session of Congress
the appropriate Senate committee
after exhaustive hearings, filed q
favorable preliminary report on the
national health bill. The committee
found unanimous agreement on it.
objectives, undisputed evidence Of
its need and inpressis, support for
its adoption among responsible farm
labor. women's and professional
groups. For myself. I heartily con-
cur in the committees resolve to
give careful study to the many sug-
gestions and criticisms which have
been offered, with a view to perfect
ing the bill and pressing for its pas
sage early in the next session OF
Congress. I welcome the counsel
and the guidance of any person OF
organization that can contribute to
lighting the way.
Give Generously to Chest.
want to say a special word for
the church and other voluntary hos