ABSTRACT
National Health Insurance has been in operation in the country for thirty years. Lloyd George’s “ninepence for fourpence” National Health Insurance Act of 1911 came into force on 15th July 1912, against bitter opposition. This chapter outlines the principles embodied in the National Health Insurance Act, 1936—the latest consolidating Act. Medical benefit entitles the insured persons to free medical treatment such as would normally be within the competence of a general practitioner, and to the free supply of such drugs, medicines and appliances as he may prescribe, subject to regulations made by the Minister of Health. Medical benefit does not provide a full medical service for the whole nation. Wives and children of the insured, as well as all the uninsured at all income-levels, are excluded from the scheme. National Health Insurance attempts to deal with two separate but related problems—the healing of the sick and their maintenance during sickness.
