LODGES AND DOCTORS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2787, 3 June 1916, Page 11

LODGES AND DOCTORS

: $ A QUESTION IN THE HOUSE, A question bearing upon the still unsettled disputo between friendly societies and the British Medical Association was Addressed to tho Minister of Public Health (tho Hon. G. W. Russell) in the House yesterday. Mr. Hotelier asked"Whether the Minister of Public Health is aware that the British Medical Association (Wellington branch) is about to consider the following motion:—'That during the present lodge dispute it shall be deemed un. ethical for any member of the association to meet professionally any medical practitioner who is not a member of tho association.' Does the Minister consider that any such power of refusing consultation with medical practitioners outside tho members of tho British Medical Association should be allowed to continue, aud will he take any steps necessary to protect the interests of tho public, seeing that medical practitioners enjoy a practical monopoly by registration under tho Act?" Tho Hon. CI. AV. Russell: In reply to tho question put by the honourable member, I must say that I am exceedingly surprised to hear that there is 6ucli a proposal before the British Medical Association, a resolution which practically means they will refuse to meet in consultation medical practitioners who aro not members of their branch,. , . Mi', l'letcher: It is absolutely criminal. Mr. Russell: To my mintL such a proposal is not only "unethical," but it is utterly destructive of tho rights of this country that any medical man who is a registered practitioner should for any purpose whatever refuse to meet in consultation his professional brother when his services aro asked for. If any sucli resolution is proposed I shall certainly bring before Cabiuct proposals to deal drastically with any doctor who refuses to meet any other registered practitioner .. when ho is asked to do so. Mr. Fletcher: The meeting is being held to-night. Mr. Russell: Well, I hope somebody will convey to the British Medical Association the answer I have given this afternoon.