The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1963-11-15

| no more FRONTIERS TO run away TO
with our problems, we must learn
to become more involved" with our
fellow human beings.
HEALTH PLAN FOUGHT
ALL THE WAY
Atkinson recounted that the lead
ers of organized medicine contended
the people did not have the right to
pay their doctor bills collectively
through a government insurance pro-
gram.
After the plan took effect the 1st
of July, 1862, officials of the Sas-
katchewan College of Physicians and
Surgeons urged their members to
withhold normal medical services,
even though under the law, they could
practice outside the program. "The
doctors went ON STRIKE" he said, and
"the people were stunned because
their doctors had deserted them But
the doctors underestimate the la
tent support or the desire of the
people for a medical care program"
Continuing, he said that "some doc
tors left the province but more came.
There were 897 doctors registered
in the province in April of 1862. In
July, 1868, there were 925 We
believe this shows a good program
attracts physicians.
physicians should be we'll paid :"
and, he recalled that ''we decided the
best way is a government prepaid
insurance program, not because it
is the cheapest way. We believe it
rests ON a fundamental principle
which makes possible a BETTER way
of life =. helps us to learn to live
with our fellow men.
'To say government cannot pro-
vide for its people with certain basic
needs is to admit a democratic gov
cannot work that people
cannot govern themselves wisely and
Atkinson commended. eff
people cannot do things for them
selves through government, then we
should have private roads, private
schools, private armies run by Cen
General Dynamics. Who would be
nour nomination for a head of pri-
rate government? 1t borders ON the
'rink of absurdity, both in Canada
md America.
America is land of REVEALS
he continued. what we need is
a democratic revival. We must
wage war on poverty, unemploy-
ment and social injustice-man the
barbados against ignorance and
hate. The road ahead is not an easy
one apathy and despair should
be our constant enemies -
PREMIUMS CUT
Although the plan has been in op-
ration only little over the year
nee the doctors 'tstrike" was ended
Y the government conceding
(face- saving) point or
vo to the needles on August 23,
1852, it has already been determined
Y the PROVINCES Medical Care In
france Commission that basic family
'emiums can be reduced from $72
$50 a year, beginning with 1864.
Saskatchewanls comprehensive hos
tal-mledical plan covers hospital
I'd medical costs, along with drugs
led during disqualification. Doctors
ceuve IS per cent of existing fee
hedules-the same percentage of
es they received previously from
eir private medical insurance col
,tion agencies. The medical insur-
ce commission is made up of doc
RS recommended by THEM. "union'',
d laymen.
EDITORS NOTE: More details
n the plans actual operation were
arried in the VOICE of Sept. 20,
which time we reprinted the
oeech of D. D. Tansley, chairman
the commission, before the La
or Seminar in Great Falls. A
mited number of copies of that
sue are still available and NAV
had by addressing your requests
) the VOICE at Box 1913. Helena.