Doctors And Politicians “Cowboys And Indians”

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30364, 13 February 1964, Page 15

Doctors And Politicians “Cowboys And Indians”

A standard-gauge 3ft 6in railway track was needed between the New Zealand medical professon and the New Zealand Government, said the newly-appointed president of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (Dr. Mervyn Williams) in Uis presidential address to the annual ceremony of the college in Christchurch last evening. ••We need good rolung stock,” he said. - ‘We need a modern station at each end and first-class stationmasters and staff. “I suggest we need an up-to-date refreshment room at each staton to sustain our

Dr. Williams said that for more than a generation there had been a perpetual game of cowboys and Indians between the New Zealand medical profession and politicians. But the public, who had paid the piper, had been the ones who suffered. "No individuals, medical or political, are to blame. ’ he said. “The reason is that we have failed to put our thinking caps on.” He thought new and sound

machinery was needed. New Zealand, he said, had 250 fully-trained physicians, but actually needed 300. Australia had a similar problem. • .-

"Our task is to help tfain more physicians to meet the rising demand, which has become increasingly acute. We must establish courses in advanced medical studies for our M.R.A.C.P. Examination. "We must foster, by every means in Australasia, postgraduate studies and medical research for our able and brilliant young men. “These things cost money. Later this year, we shall be appealing for help from the public and the Government

for these urgent purposes. We shall do this with a clear conscience.” said Dr. Williams. He said Australians had generous taxation conditions for contributing to worthy causes.

But in New. Zealand, people were severely hampered in this regard. “With all respect, we ask our Government to reconsider and alleviate our difficulties,’’ said Dr. Williams.