EVENT OF WAR.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 190, 14 August 1939, Page 10

EVENT OF WAR.

MEDICAL SERVICES.

B.M.A. MEMBERS' DECISION. WIDESPREAD ORGANISATION. A unanimous decision to inform the Government that it would undertake to made available the services of all its members for the purpose of national defence was reached at a recent meeting of the council of the British Medical Association, following consideration of the position of the profession in regard to the defence programme of New Zealand.

Information to this effect is given in the current number of the ''New Zealand Medical Journal," which states: — Difficulties Multiplied. "It would appear likely that in any future war the demands made on the profession will greatly exceed those of the past. The increasing involvement of the civilian population by attacks from the air lias multiplied the difficulties of medical defence arrangements. The needs of the forces must be considered along with those of the civil community, and although these are to some extent separate problems it is essential that in any state of emergency they should be subject to the same controlling authority. In New Zealand that authority exists and has been in active operation for some time.

The National Medical Committee, a sub-committee of the Organisation for National Security, was formed in 1936, and since that time its decisions and recommendations are not made public and do not come to the knowledge of doctors. In general terms it can be stated that the committee was set up to organise the following services: — (1) The medical examination of recruits; j (2) the care of the sick and wounded of the forces; (3) the organisation of medical services for the care of the civilian population in any state of emergency. '"The first of these concerns mobilisation. This is covered by the setting up of medical boards in all parts of the country. These boards can operate immediately and it is anticipated that ] working at high pressure they could examine and provide the number of men required for the defence of New Zealand within a few days. Members of these hoards will shortly receive more detailed instructions in regard to the examinations of recruits. Health of Troops. "The maintenance of the health of the troops and the care of the sick and wounded before admission to hospital is the work of the. New Zealand Medical Corps. In the Great War the N.Z.M.C. had a distinguished record and there is no doubt but that in any future hostilities members of the profession would serve with eagerness and distinction. At present the Medical Corps has an active list of something over 120 doctors who, under the Assistant-Director of Medical Services in each military district. provide the officers for three field ambulances and supply a regimental medical officer to each of the combatant units. In addition, there, is a Reserve of Officers, all of whom have been transferred, after adequate training, from the active list. In the event of mobilisation taking place and of extra personnel i being required for the active list, members of the reserve would be called on first. Should active engagements occur within New Zealand it is fully anticipated that adequate personnel for the Medical Corps could be provided without in any way interfering with the efficiency of civil practice." Care of Civilians. "It is in the care of the civilian population that the greatest need for individual co-operation by the profession arises. Without going into detail it can be stated that the organisation of | the profession under this heading has I been carefully considered by the medical committee of the Organisation for National Security. The provision of additional hospital accommodation has been envisaged bearing in mind the needs of both the armed forces and the civil community. That the details of such organisation must be kept secret will be recognised. It is sufficient for tis to know that there is in existence a carefully- conceived plan for dealing with the medical aspects of a national emergency. As individuals we are pledged to serve the State in the event of such an occurrence. This is no light undertaking since without ever donninj*

a uniform and without receiving the privileges of the Medical Corps, practi- i tioners may be called on to perform ! services which involve considerable sacrifices and personal inconvenience. It is quite certain that should the need arise these responsibilities will be cheerfully and willingly shouldered by the profession in New Zealand."