DOCTORS' FEES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22223, 25 September 1935, Page 17

DOCTORS' FEES

Sir,—As a lover of fair-play, I take strong exception to the letter of "Galen" on the matter of doctors' fees. He says, "The people are honest and independent, and do not ask for favours in the shape of free medical service." Also, "The doctors themselves have done little to help the public." "Galen" must know that in a very great number of cases doctors are called out at any hour, day or night, and in any weather, to attend cases. Whether the doctor is likely to receive payment for his services or not is a secondary consideration. New Zealand doctors have a very high standing, and from personal knowledge I could mention very many cases where doctors, particularly in the country, have had to put up with great inconveniences in attending patients whom the doctors knew were not in a position to pay the fees. I have yet to learn of any doctor refusing to answer a call to an urgent case. "Galen" makes much of the "minimum fee." I think if he could examine a doctor's books he would be rather surprised to find how many of tho "honest and independent" people have apparently forgotten to remit oven a portion of the minimum charge. Doctors must live, and to suggest that any reduction of "minimum fee" is going to help either patient or doctor, seems absurd. The value of a doctor's services cannot be measured ih actual cash, like the "butcher and baker," etc. Instead of cavilling at the amount of fees (which unfortunately are often unpaid) it would be more fitting to give a word of praise to the very noble work of the medical profession generally. To my mind they do not get much kudos from the general public. Grateful.