Medicine: Almost Revolutionary

In Washington last July, Josephine Roche, former head of Federal health activities, told members of a National Health Conference that the Government proposed to embark on a ten-year public health program, to appropriate $850,000,000 annually for the job (TIME, Aug. 1). Lay delegates heartily approved, but officials of the American Medical Association bitterly objected to “centralization of control of medical service by any State agency.”

Last week 100 members of the House of Delegates, supreme A. M. A. body, met in extraordinary session with 400 officials of local medical organizations in the Red Lacquer Room of Chicago’s Palmer House. Purpose: consideration of the proposed Federal health program. Dr. Harrison H. Shoulders of Nashville, Tenn., speaker of the House, Dr. Irvin Abell of Louisville, Ky., president of the Association, and Dr. Rock Sleyster of Wauwatosa, Wis., president-elect, exhorted the delegates. All three opposed “political control,” reiterated the A. M. A.’s desire to “benefit the people.” Said President Abell, referring to the National Health Conference: “Without calling the organized medical profession . . . into conference, a vast plan affecting health and medical care has been proposed to the people.”

Speaker Shoulders read the recommendations of the National Health Conference, assigned a committee of the House to consider each proposal separately. ‘The committee adjourned for two days. When they reappeared they brought, contrary to expectations, no plan for war with the Administration, but a conciliatory program, in substantial agreement with that of the National Health Conference. Proposals: 1) The health of impoverished persons should be protected by use of Federal and State funds when necessary; 2) A Department of Health should be established with ‘a physician as Cabinet member; 3) Public health, maternal and child welfare service should be expanded; 4) Better use should be made of existing hospital facilities and new buildings should be constructed only where necessary; 5) Compulsory health insurance is undesirable, would lead to “political control and manipulation,” but hospital service insurance and cash indemnity insurance policies for patients suffering from prolonged illnesses are highly desirable, as is compensation of workers for loss of wages during illness. Local medical societies should cooperate with the Federal Government, organize local community service agencies for taking care of the sick with Federal funds.

Smooth as clockwork, with no argument, the House unanimously approved the proposals. Speaker Sleyster then ap pointed a committee of seven to confer with Federal authorities. After two swift days of unprecedented action the meeting adjourned, amid cries of “progressive,” “almost revolutionary.” Said Editor Morris Fishbein, tremendously delighted with the finesse and harmony of A. M. A. dele gates: “Many people will be surprised at the progressive action of the delegates. Of course I am not. I helped to work it out.”