Evening star., 1946-08-13
Truman Signs
.HospitaIAidBiN,
Cites Objections
D. c. Area to Benefit;
National Program to
Get IS Million Yearly
fTert OF Presidents Statement on
Page A.

President Truman today signed
the Hill-Burton bill for a five
year national hospital survey
and construction program, but
said at the same time it con-
tanned two provisions which he
considers objectionable"
The act, which will benefit the
District and nearby States. author
lied an appropriation of s75,000,0 900
4 year for five years. 1t stipulates,
however, that States, localities or
nonpreft hospitals must raise twice
as much as the Federal grant in
oroer to obtain the governmental
aid.
Appropriated already is fund OF
$4,000 900 which can be used imme-
diately on the basis of population.
Ior State agencies to survey their
needs. This money was provided in
he supplemental deficiency bill
previously approved by the Presi-
dent.
ALLEGATIONS on Basis of Needs.
The grants in aid for construction
are TO be allocated on the basis of
needs, ascertained through the ratio
on areas capita income bears to the
national average. Other factors
bearing on determination of the
need will De population and value of
| products.
The President criticized one Sec
ton of the bill setting up council
which can control the action of the
surgeon general of the United States
Public Health Service. who is
charged with administration of ths
act, under supervision of the Fed
eral Security Agency, of which it is
part
The other provision with which hs
found fault gives the State agencies,
set up to implement the program.
! the right of appeal to Federal
courts when they are denied Fed
eral projects.
/ The President said, however, that
the urgent need for a prompt start
on the program" led him to sign the
bill despite it's shortcomings. He
said he would not hesitate to press
| for changes in the law If they are
needed to permit accomplishment OF
| basic detectives
! The United States Public Health
Service has already made prelim-
mary plans to administer the pro-
gram.
DIR. Hoge to Head Program.
DR., Vane Morgan Hoge of the
Public Health Service has been
designated by Surg Gen. Thomas
Parran to direct the comprehensive
system.
The framework OF such a system
already has been outlined in it's
general terms, Dr. Hoge said today
in an interview. 1t will be developed
further as soon as possible to speed
the earliest possible help to the
States and to the District, Puerto
Rico, Hawaii and Alaska
ALLEGATION of the 100000 already
appropriated by Congress to help
States survey their needs for hos
pitals and health centers, DR.. Hoge
said, will be one of the first matters
| to be decided.
| Whether the District will ask for
any available money to make
survey, Dr. Hoge said. depends on
officials here. Several intensive sur
veys already have been made of
the National Capital. however, he
| pointed out. These include the two
recent studies made by the Federal
Works Agency and by the surveyors
for the Metropolitan Health Council.
This latter survey, financed by
money allocated by the Community
War Fund sharply scored condi-
tions in local hospitals and pointed
to the need for many more beds
than can be provided under present
and projected construction.
Two Hospitals Started.
| Two new hospitals already are
under construction here, for George
Washington University and George
town University, third project has
been announced by Doctors Hos
pital, which plans to build a large
addition as soon as possible, and
a big new hospital center has been
authorized under a new law. to be
(See HOSPITAL AID, Page A-4)