DOCTORS' FEES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXIX, Issue 9477, 14 December 1918, Page 3

DOCTORS' FEES.

EXCESSIVE CHARGES ALLEGED

(Per Press Association). AUCKLAND, December 13.

The fees charged by one or two Auckland doctors while attending influenza patients formed the subject of discussion at a meeting of the Citizens' Committee to-day.

Mr A. J. Entrican said that the attention of the Government should be drawn to the excessive charges made in some instances. " I have one bill hero," he said, "covering a few weeks, which amounts to £14 7s 6d. Somethine will have to be done, as many working people are quite unable to pay these amounts."

•The committee was empowered by resolution to refer charges of this kind to the Government' and to the local branch of the Medical Association.

• One speaker mentioned the case of a man residing just outside a suburban area, who had rung up a doctor and asked him to pay a visit to four patients in that district. The doctor replied that he would not go unless he was guaranteed £12 12s. The.-;man was unable to- guarantee that araount, feu.t "the local chemist did so, and the doctor went. While out there he was asked to visit another case only five minutes away from the last one, and for thig he charged another four guineas. An instance was given by another of those present of a doctor who wanted 30s before attending to the case to which he had been called. The family only had 29s 6d. and the doctor refused to 20 on until he had received the extra sixpence.

It was pointed out by other speakers that, according to professional etimietfce. certain charges had to be made for certain services, and that doctors in many cases did not insist on payment.

The Mayor said there was no doubt that there were one or two " black sheep" among the doctors, but all present would agree that the majority of them were heroes, and had done splendid work in combating the epidemic.