MEDICAL SERVICE

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23446, 29 September 1941, Page 8

MEDICAL SERVICE

c: r To Arthur Liversedge I would <?av “If the doctors and everybody else did concede that the Government had the democratic right to make available to all citizens necessary medical treatment, irrespective of the individual’s ability to pay, the question of how to apply the principle would still be a very contentious and difficult matter.” What is repugnant to many fair-minded persons is the dictatorial way the doctors have been threatened, particularly so after an assurance was given to doctors ana citizens alike that those subscribing their names to the scheme would act quite V °l do not y agree that because this question Was under consideration before the war began we should not now take into consideration the changed set of circumstances brought about by the war. The extra work done by the doctors remaining is apparent, and it is increased by the return of sick and wounded soldiers. .. As I understand it. the Government tried to introduce the panel system, which is acceptable to many in England and other parts of the world. It hasgood and load points. A New Zeaander residing in England joined the panel of a good doctor. On one occasion he went five days running before he could see the doctor and i; will be easy to understand that by that time he was a very sick man. I have no doubt that it will be very difficult to provide a scheme that will make available to everyone a medical service when, where, and how they all desire it- Yo^ R e^ c ” H , HOLLAND. September 27, 1941,