No complaints, say doctors

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33815, 11 April 1975, Page 2

No complaints, say doctors

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON. A Government back-bencher had laid a serious charge against (he medical profession in his claim that some doctors “pocketed” fees paid by the State for the treatment of patients, the Medical Association of New Zealand said.

“It is so serious that Dr Michael Bassett, the M.P. for Waitemata, could be countercharged with irresponsibility if in fact his allegations are true,’’ the chairman of the M.A.N.Z. council, Dr W. J. Treadwell, said in a statement. “Dr Bassett, instead of trying to make political capital in the privileged confines of Parliament, should know that at the slightest suggestion of malpractice he should have reported to the Minister of Health.” said Dr Treadwell. “Apparently he preferred to wait until Parliament resumed.” Under the 1968 Medical Practitioners Act, the Minister had the right to make a formal complaint to the' Medical Practitioners Disciplinary Committee Dr Treadwell said that if

Dr Bassett had proof of his allegations that some doctors: were pocketing the recent! increase in general medical service benefits he should not! have waited until now to disclose them. “We suggest that he has failed in his responsibility as! an elected representative of the public to protect their interest,” said Dr Treadwell. “We also suggest that Dr Bassett take immediate steps to put each complaint in writing to the Minister of Health.” No cases of overcharging arising from the increase in basic benefits paid by the Government had been referred to the Medical Practitioners Disciplinary Commit.’ tee, the chairman (Dr D. Lloyd Richwhite, of Auckland) said today. , j