MEDICAL SERVICES IN WAR

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23887, 15 August 1939, Page 6

MEDICAL SERVICES IN WAR

ATTITUDE OF THE PROFESSION IN NEW ZEALAND The New Zealand Medical Journal, in its latest issue, says editorially:— At a meeting of the council of the association held at Wellington in June of this year consideration was given to the position of the profession in regard to the defence programme of New Zealand. It was unanimously resolved that the Government be informed that the association would undertake to make available the services of all its members for the purpose of national defence. This is no more than a reiteration of what has always been the attitude of the profession in this matter. It must be clearly understood, however, that such a declaration as has been made does not envisage any organisation within the association itself but implies rather that individual members should place their services unreservedly at the disposal of the authorities. This being so it is right that doctors should have some general knowledge of what medical arrangements are planned for the defence of the country and in what direction their services may be required. It would appear likely that in any future war the demands made on the profession will greatly exceed those of the past. The increasing involvement of the civilian population by attacks from the air has multiplied the difficulties of medical defence arrangements. The needs of the forces must be considered &long with those of the civil community and although these are to some extent separate problems it is essential that in any state of emergency they should be subject to> the same controlling authority. In New Zealand that authority exists and has been in active operation for some time. The National Medical Committee, a sub-committee of the Organisation for National Security, was formed in 1936, and since that time it has deliberated extensively, although for obvious reasons its decisions and recommendations are not made public and do not come to the knowledge of doctors. The personnel of that committee is as follows:—DrM. H. Watt, Director-general of Health (chairman), Colonel F. T. Bowerbank (Director of Medical Services), Sir Donald McGavin (representing the British Medical Association), and Mr F. J. Fenton (of the Health Department) acting as secretary. In general terms it can be stated that the committee was set up to organise the following services:— 1. The medical examination of recruits. , , , , 2. The care of the sick and wounded of the forces. 3. The organisation of medical services for the care of the civilian population in any state of emergency The first of these concerns mobilisation This is covered by the setting up of medical boards in all parts of the country. These boards can operate immediately, and it is anticipated that working at high pressure they could examine and provide the number of men required for the defence of New Zealand within a few days. Members of these boards will shortly receive more detailed instructions in regard to the examination of recruits. The maintenance of the health of the troops and the care of the sick and wounded before admission to hospital is the work of the New Zealand Medical Corps. In the Great War the N.Z.M.C. had a distinguished record and there is no doubt but that in any future hostilities members of the profession would serve with eagerness and distinction. At present the Medical Corps has an active list of something over 120 doctors who, under the Assistant Director of Medical Services (A.D.M.S.) in each military district, provide the officers for three field ambulances and supply a regimental medical officer to each of the combatant units. lb addition, there is a reserve of officers, all of whom have been transferred, after adequate training, from the active list. In the event of mobilisation taking place and of extra personnel being required for the active list, members of the reserve would be called on first. Should active engagements occur within New Zealand it is fully anticipated that adequate personnel for the Medical Corps could be provided without in any way interfering with the efficiency of civil practice. It is in the care of the civilian population that the greatest need for individual co-operation by the profession arises. Without going into detail it can be stated that the organisation of the profession under this heading has been carefully considered by the Medical Committee of the Organisation for National Security The provision of additional hospital accommodation has been envisaged bearing in mind the needs of both the armed forces and the civil community. That the details of such organisation must be kept secret will be recognised by all. It is sufficient for is to know that there is in existence a carefully conceived plan for dealing with the medical aspects of a national emergency. As individu.-ls we are pledged to serve the state in the event of such an occurrence. This is no light undertaking since, without ever donning a uniform and without receiving the privileges of the Medical Corps, practitioners may be called on to perform services which involve considerable sacrifices and persona] inconvenience. It is quite certain that should the need arise t ese responsibilities will be cheerfully and willingly shouldered by the profession in New Zealand.