Evening star., 1946-05-07
Service Hospital
UseCited Plea
For Newcomer
Tydines Bill Bockers
Point to Care Given
Members Of Congress
By Harold B. ROGERS

Backers OF the Tydings bill today
pointed to the action of the Army
and Navy in admitting members
OF Congress, cabinet officers and
certain other high placed Federal
civilians to service hospitals here,
as a further reason why Congress
should enact the measure for a
new hospital center to provide more
adequate disqualification here for the
rank and file of Federal employees.
Top-f1ight civilians usually pay a
fixed fee for their medical and
hospital care in the service hos
pitaS. But while this is on an
actual cost basis, it is understood
to be at much lower price than
the average Government clerk
would pay to civilian hospital.
The fact that certain officials and
other employees can get and pay for
treatment at service institutions
is said to imply an assumption OF
obligation by the Federal Govern
ment to favor some Federal people.
They get extremely high grade care
at cut-rate prices.
Situation Called desperate"
Meanwhile, members of Congress
today were told by committee Of
leading citizens who have been
fighting for hospital improvements
here that the situation now is "des-
perate." In letter, the Committee
en- the Hospital Center appealed for
help in getting the Tydings bill
reported favorably by the House
District Committee and passed by
the House. The letter was signed
by Mrs. Reginald Huidekoper, chair
man of the hospital committee, and
eight other members.
One explanation given for treat
ment of civilians in Army and
Navy institutions is that armed
services are prepared to provide
good medical care to cure the patient
and restore him to duty as soon as
possible. Furthermore, the service
medical and hospital care is pre-
pared to follow up" the cases for
post-hospital observation.
The Navy operates its system
under authority of the Secretary of
the Navy, who has officially approv-
ed such procedure. Many members
OF Congress and cabinet officers and
others are treated at the big new
Naval Medical Center at Bethesda.
Md. At least half of all Congress
members, however, go to private
hospitals here, it was reported.
Admitted to Walter Reed.
The Army admits civilian patients
to Walter Reed General Hospital
under authority of a special Army
regulation. No. 40-590 This is a
revision of previous similar regula-
tions, and is dated January q, 1916,
to take care of up to date situations.
such as the rapid shifts of personnel
all over the world.
After naming several kinds OF
civilian employees of the War De.
partment, who may be serving over
seas, the order continues to au-
thorlze treatment of "other civil
1ans." These may be received, 1t is
pointed out, whether or not they are
In the public service, only in the
case OF extreme necessity, and when
In the opinion of the commanding
ofncer OF the hospital, or his au-
thorlzed representative, admission is
necessary to save life or prevent
greater suffering. Under these cir
cumstances," the order continues, "a
written report will be submitted i'm
mediately to the post commander"
A far more inclusive authority.
however, Is provided in the regu-
latlon which authorizes the ad.
mission to Army hospitals of such
other persons as may be designated
by the Secretary of War
Treatment Cost Varies.
The cost of treatment which civil.
lans must pay to service hospitals,
In most cases, varies according to
several factors These include
geography and the size of the in
stallation. Usually the cost is es-
tablished by the so-called Federal
Board for Interchange of Hospital
Facilities.
Civilian employees of the Govern.
n1ent. for the most part. however.
are unable to get into the service
hospitals, and therefore must rely on
District hospitals, which were severe
ly criticized in the recent Metro
politan Health and Hospital Survey.
The inadequacy and general CON
ditions" OF most of the 18 hospitals
In this city were scored as "a dis
grace to the Nation" The survey
called for passage of the Tydings
bill for new hospital center and
for improvement of other hospitals
here.
The Tydings bill is to be revised
by the Judiciary Subcommittee Of
the House District Committee.
Chairman McGehee has promised
as soon as special report on rec
commended revisions is received from
the Federal Works Agency. The
report Is expected momentarily.
Cites Recent Survey.
In her letter on behalf of vote
less Washingtonians, Mrs. Huide.
koper pointed to the recent survey.
This survey shows, she said. that
our hospitals are antiquated, rat
and roach ridden, overcrowded and
insanitary, thus endangering not
only the citizens of the District but
your own constituents who use these
hospitals. The need for action is
really desperate"
Referring to the Tydings bill as
designed to cure many of these de-
plorable conditions she pointed out
that it already has passed the
Senate.
Wont you lend your influence
to bring it out of the House COM
mittee with a favorable report, and
aid in its final passage?" she asked.
Voteless Citizens Appeal.
please, we voteless citizens appeal
to you in our hour of need to help
us achieve in the House what we
have already done in the Senate
before it Is too late