19. Mr. FREDERICK HALL (Dulwich)asked whether prescriptions for insured persons given by non-panel doctors will be dispensed and treated in the same way as those prescribed by panel doctors?
§ Mr. MASTERMANNo, Sir, Section 15 (3) contemplates that when insured persons are allowed to make their own arrangements for medical attendance and treatment they shall also make their own arrangements for the supply of medicines and appliances. It would obviously be unfair to require chemists on the panel, whose remuneration is based on a capitation system and accordingly limited to the sum available, to supply medicines to an unlimited extent on the prescriptions of doctors who have not, like those on the panel, a collective responsibility with regard to the arrangements made for medical benefit in the area.
Mr. F. HALLIs the House to understand that the insured persons, if they go to a chemist not on the panel have to pay the extra cost whatever may be demanded by the chemist, and that they consequently get no recompense under the Insurance Act?
§ Mr. MASTERMANAn insured person can make his own arrangements—
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe only one who gets the payment is the chemist on the panel.
Mr. F. HALLThen, if he is not satisfied with the chemist on the panel and goes elsewhere he must pay the full price and gets no allowance although he is insured under the Act?
§ Mr. MASTERMANInsured persons have a choice of ninety-nine out of a hundred chemists and should experience no difficulty in getting satisfied.