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Friendly societies provided contract medical care in the 19th century. Doctor dissatisfaction led to a conflict, but the system was ultimately replaced by the 1911 National Insurance Act.
Area of Science:
- Medical history
- Public health policy
Background:
- The 19th century saw various forms of contract medical practice, with friendly societies being the most prominent.
- Friendly societies grew in membership and influence throughout the century.
Observation:
- Increasing numbers and importance of friendly societies led to growing dissatisfaction among physicians providing services.
- This discontent culminated in a significant conflict between the medical profession and the friendly societies towards the end of the century.
Findings:
- Key issues dividing doctors and friendly societies were clearly defined.
- Despite a protracted dispute, physicians were unsuccessful in altering the existing system of medical provision for the poor.
Implications:
- The club system of medical provision was ultimately abolished by the National Insurance Act of 1911, introduced by Lloyd George.
- This marked a significant shift in healthcare access for the working class.
Abstract:
There were many forms of club or contract practice in the nineteenth century, but the friendly societies were the most important. A brief history of the friendly societies is given. As they grew in numbers and importance so did the dissatisfaction of the doctors who worked with them. Discontent among the doctors led at the end of the century to a battle between the medical profession and the clubs. The issues which divided the clubs and the doctors were clearly defined but, although the battle was protracted, the doctors did not win or manage to change the system of medical provision for the poor. The club system was ended by Lloyd George when he introduced his National Insurance Act, 1911.