FEES FOR DOCTORS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20563, 14 May 1930, Page 8

FEES FOR DOCTORS.

CANCER NOTIFICATIONS,

QUESTION OF ETIQUETTE.

A proposal to pay British doctors for notifying cases of cancer was rejected recently by a committee of the House of Commons.

The Cardiff Corporation sought power; to pay to any doctor 2s 6d for the notification of a case of cancer in private prac* tice, and Is to a doctor in public prac* tice.

Dr. R. F. M. Pieken, medical of health for Cardiff, said that the corporation had been trying to light the rising mortality rate of cancer "Early, treatment," ho added, "is essential to possible cure. There has been in Cardiff for some time a system by which cases aro notified, and also some details as to the housing conditions and the mode of life. When a case is notified .assistance is afforded in getting the patient to hospital." Captain It. It. Henderson, a member, of the committee: What about the bi'ijactt of confidence ? Suppose 1 had the misfortuno to develop cancer, it would be most repugnant to myself and my family, if I found that my medical adviser had, without my permission, given information to the local authority. , Mr. Cape, tho chairman. If any good can come to the patient, it is diflerent. Mr. Beveridge, counsel for the cor« poration: The sum total of the knowledge gained might do u great deal of good. Captain Henderson: This is a fee of bribe to a medical practitioner to divulge the illnesses from which his patients ai9 suffering. Mr. J. H. Palin: Surely not for half-* crown ? Captain Henderson: It is contrary tq the etiquette of the profession. Dr. Picken: Tins clause giving 'J 19 power does not lay any duty on the patient or practitioner. • Mr. Cape: Anything we can do to help research work in cancer should be done. Mr. Palin; If a person has smallpox it is notified. This would bo beneficial to the community. Captain Henderson: I fail to see w y patients in poor- circumstances shou not bo treated with the saino considers* tion as those better off , Mr. Palin; We aro talking a ot ol nonsense. Many diseases are notifiable 7 ; The committee, however, after long consideration, decided not to pass clause