A Tribute To Medical Practitioners

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 298, 13 September 1941, Page 11

A Tribute To Medical Practitioners

Sir,—Thirty-three years married, reared three children and have had many serious setbacks through illness of family; this experience gives me cause and justification for writing concerning the apparent coercion of the doctors. In each case where continued attention to the patient was concerned not one doctor charged what was the standard and accepted charge for services rendered. Not one doctor charged for each apd every interview at my home. Not one doctor charged for each visit made to the surgery. At least three specialists were called on two different occasions to my house to artend two of my children who were desperately ill. On each occasion I was told the child had a fighting chance; and the work and skill of the several doctors was beyond praise. They worked day and night to save my two children. Then the eldest had a very serious major operation in a hurry; and again skill and careful attention and constant attendance by the doctor during and after tne operation saved the child. So I have reason to write.

I was staggered at the small accounts charged me by the doctors, and in addition my family doctor, during 33 years of my married life, has not charged me anything like the amount I would have expected to pay. Why does the Government persist .in walking roughshod over these men? Why should we New Zealanders have to stand by and allow the Government to creep into every business; every home, every walk of life like an octopus? Why have we been made to suffer these injustices?. I’ll tell you, Sir, just because the average working man was “taken in” by promises six years ago. I hope this state of affairs will cause reflection, and that on polling day we shall intimate by serious thought and sane voting that New Zealanders desire to govern their country themselves—l am, etc. —FATHER. Wellington, September 11.