CO-OPERATION ADVISABLE

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 130, 28 November 1924, Page 6

CO-OPERATION ADVISABLE

The remarks of one or two members of the Hospital, Board yesterday concerning Dr. Begg's criticism were, to say the least, untimely Ihe representative of the B.MA explained publicly in- the Press and privately to the Hospital -Board that he intended no reflection on any particular hospital Admittedly the reference to dunning was not helpful when many Hospital Boards have difficulty in inducing well-to-do people to meet their obligations. But the Hospital Board could have made its own attitude clear on this issue without adding the provocative remarks which fell from one or two members. The Hospital Board does not desire to press needy people for payment; but it would be failing m a public duty if it allowed those who are not needy to avoid payment. Having said this, however, there was no need to refer to self-advertisement or the dunning of members of the B.M.A Such remarks merely provoke illl feeling and make co-operation difficult. It is co-operation that is needed at the present time. Working against each other, the B.M A the Hospital Boards, and the Health Department may raise a lot of dust and do nothing. Working together, they have the knowledge and the power to effect great improvements in the whole field of public and private health work.