THE MEDICAL SCHEME.

Evening Star, Issue 24003, 30 September 1941, Page 2

THE MEDICAL SCHEME.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Concerning the medical scheme, one of the facts disclosed is the low ■standard of health enjoyed by the majority of people. The military aspect is quoted as an example. Surely this is a reflection on tho medical services of the past—not merely on ,tho doctors but. tho medical services available to tho people us a whole. After all the help given in tho past in the shape of universities. Medical School, Department of Health, etc., does it mean that the standard of medieal students has deteriorated and that tho decree is merely taken for a profession without that deep and abiding pr«ssion to save human life ? In tho past numbers of people would not engage medical attention till absolutely compelled, as it was considered a matter of honour that doctors’ bills should be paid, and very often it was hard to meet them. Again, doctors’ prescriptions sometimes contained simple remedies which were very cc in tho make-up. Tlio doctors were, of course, aware of this, but it took the Government to stop it. In the past doctors have engaged in a lot of lodge work. This was only catering for a section of tho community, and the new scheme simply means that medical services will bo available for all the people. Regarding tho 300 medical men at the front, we must realise that it is a 100 per cent, war effort and longer hours for all. At the present time wo have thousands, of workers in the factories working their 10 or 12 hours a day. Regarding the shortage of doctors, Dr M'Millan hit the nail on the head when he advocated subsidies, so that anyone who was clever enough could got a degree. At present unless you have funds at the back of you the profession is barred. There arc a lot of clever women who could be brought in—hospital nurses, dental nurses, etc.—with free tuition and a guaranteed living, who would make splendid doctors in die future. The doctors call for help to support their fight for a sound, efficient service. If what has been disclosed lately regarding tho health of the people, including the tuberculosis and diphtheria question is correct, a change is long overdue. and the Government lias stepped into the breach.—l am, etc.. Resident. September 30.

TO TUI3 EDITOR. Sir, —Our Government, in tho Social Security contributions collected from tho people, has tapped an enormous source of revenue, to be devoted to tho development of tho health and physical welfare of the community. The problem before us is therefore the wise expenditure of this money, and here we in New Zalaud have a golden opportunity to do something really useful, andto lead the world in true social reform and preventive medicine. A largo section of the community is at present satisfied with the medical services already provided by the medical profession, and does not desire any alteration in tho existing relationship between doctor and patient. The .first call on Social Security funds wo-mt naturally bo for the provision of a; full medical"service for those members of tho community who are unable themselves to provide for such services. The balance of the funds could then be devoted to useful which wdubi provide true health benefits not at present available to the community.- Jndcr this heading might be considered muchneeded assistance to overworked mothers with young infants, additional medical supervision for the pre-sciiooi child, and routine health examination of children and adults, to discover disease in its early and curable stages. Finally, more money might be made available to enable useful research work to bo undertaken for the _ study of tho cause and prevention of disease. —I am, etc., Social Reformer. September 30.