SHORTAGE OF DOCTORS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3197, 22 September 1917, Page 7

SHORTAGE OF DOCTORS

THE.GOVERNMENT'S PLANS.

,lif que f lon regarding the provision of doctors or country uistricts was asked in the Bouse of Iceprcsentativos by Mr. Uillanson (Egniont), who pointed out that the position had become very serious indecil The shortage of doctors was so acute that the necessary medical attendance could nut bo secured in some parts ot the country. ■ ■ -. , r^ r -,"J,^ uin Ss (Taumarunui) supported Mr Wilkinson, lie said that in bis owe district people haa died because there was no medical man within reach. He had already urged tho subject on the attention of tho Government. lion. G. W. ilussell said that the matter had received the most careful consideration of tho Government. He realised that Ihe position in sumo districts was acute and could not lie allowed to continue. Efforts had been made' to arrange the terms of legislation with the .British JUedical Association. That body, however, desired that any medical organisation should bo under the control of the Defence Department, and he did not knoiv if it would bo possible to come to an agreement The treatment of civilians by a military service seemtd to him to be impracticable, lie hoped that in the following week a Bill would be ready to come before the ' House, and nietnueis would iseo then that every effort was being luade to overcome the difficulty ere-, ated by the calling up of doctors for military service. Replying to a. suggestion made by Mr. Jennings that New Zealand slinuld go to the United btates for a supply of doctors, Air. Ifussell eaid he would go so far as to say that the civilian needs of the country must bo supplied. If doctors could, not be secured in one way they must be secured in another.