Drugs

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30918, 26 November 1965, Page 10

Drugs

Sir—l endorse completely your leading article on curbing the misuse of drugs. 1 pressed for action in one matter mentioned by you—the automation of prescription costing—and I believe the need for this is acknowledged but that increased efficiency in any one section of social security administration by the Health Department would destroy the delicate balance necessary to cope with the completely unrealistic approach to the medical benefit and the resulting artificial famine in medical care. The medical profession must take the responsibility both for the unrealism of benefit pay ments and for the stubborn individualism which stifles any co-operative, rational approach to health services Under present conditions, doctors are too busy to know enough about the many powerful (and often dangerous) drugs available, let alone check on their supply and use, or follow up their effects, which can be different for every patient.—Yours, VAR LAN J. WILSON. November 24, 1965.