D.G.M.S. CRITICISED

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 195, 15 May 1922, Page 5

D.G.M.S. CRITICISED

BY RETURNED MEN BY TELEGRAPH.—PRESS ASSOCIATION. Christchurch, May 12. What was termed the reluctance of the Director-General of Medical Services to recognise the fact that in certain cases returned soldiers’ disabilities were duo to war service was severely criticised by the provincial fconference of tho Returned Soldiers’ Association to-night. It was moved: “That the attention of the British Medical Association, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Defence, and the Minister in charge of war pensions be drawn to The attitude of the D.G.M.S. in constantly ignoring the signed statement of medical men tracing disabilities of returned soldiers to their war service. This executive considers that the conviction of a doctor who has carefully examined the patient should be worthy of more consideration than is at present given. Cases have occurred where two doctors have agreed that the breakdown is directly attributable to wa? service, but the D.G.M.S. has stated that such opinion was valuable in only so far as it showed the soldier’s present state of health, thus ignoring their opinion as to the primary cause; that the Dominion conference be asked to constitute itself a deputation to tho Ministers mentioned to emphasise tho grave view the association takes of the matter.”

Tho following remit was also carried: "That Cabinet be urged that all cases of doubtful origin of tuberculosis or of other' war disabilities should be submitted to an independent medical expert, who would bo given access to the medical files of each man.”

“That the Government be approached to make proper provison for the care and well-being of men discharged from sanatoria uncured or incurable.”