§ 36. Dr. Strossasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has considered the recommendations of the Fraser Medical Committee in Uganda that free medical treatment at the hospitals should be withdrawn and that a charge of 1s. per out-patient should be introduced; and whether, in view of the importance of this service and its present inadequacy, he will resist this proposal.
§ Mr. HareThe Protectorate Government are at present examining the Report and have not reached any conclusions. One of the objects of the Committee's recommendation is to discourage unnecessary attendance at hospitals and dispensaries, thereby helping to ensure better treatment for those who are genuinely sick. The payment of a small fee would also contribute to the expansion of the service, on which the Protectorate is engaged. The Committee recommends exemption from payment for genuinely poor people and emergency cases.
§ Dr. StrossWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the House has heard the phrase about "unnecessary attendance at hospitals" before, and that we do not think there is very much veracity in it? Will he further remember that in that area a shilling is a considerable sum of money as compared with a shilling in this country? Can we not have a real assurance that there will be no charges whatsoever?
§ Mr. HareI do not think that I can give the hon. Member that assurance, but I can assure him that what he has said will be very carefully considered. I think that it would be quite improper for my right hon. Friend to comment until he has received and considered the views of the Uganda Government.