HEALTH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25393, 26 November 1943, Page 4

HEALTH

It is with interest that one reads in the Herald of November 4, page 4, that the Rt. Rev. D. C. Herron, M.A., refers to the recent proposal-of a group of Auckland doctors for a reorganised health service. That each doctor specialise on the people in a certain area who are afflicted or threatened by a particular type of disease.

On the same page we see an article headed “Acute Rheumatism,” wherein it is stated that quite a number of these cases are caused by deficiency in Diet. Why, then, do we have to read so much about the proposed treatment of the disease, and the lack ,of certain things supposed to cause them? Would it not be far better to “Act” now by including in such a proposed Health Clinic as the Rt. Rev. D. C. Herron mentions the services of Chiropractors, Dietitians, Physical Culturists, etc. We would thus be able (in hundreds of these cases) to aid in the prevention of these particular types of disease so much discussed. The majority of the people would then feel that something was at last being done instead of all this talk of doing. It must be quite obvious to most of us, therefore, that tiie legislation of these above-mentioned Health Services is of Immediate Urgency to the people; and especially to our returned soldiers who have been shell-shocked, etc. It would oe the means of preventing much More unnecessary suffering and early deaths. It would also appear to the majority of thinking people, thereto)e, that it was our bounden duty to our fellowmen to each and all do our utmost to demand- the inclusion of these above-mentioned Services in our proposed Health Clinic under Social Security.

We would then have all the best possible methods to assist the people to a 100 per cent. Health Standard. Once this service was made available to the people they would also have to do their part in assisting to keep themselves up to that standard by following out the instructions given them by the respective operators. We need only to look around among our own immediate associates, as well as further afield, to see the urgency of this Health Service, and the numbers who are unable to obtain the necessary help until all branches of the Health Service are brought tinder Social Security. Are the people aware that further delay on these matters means Further Suffering and deaths? Nothing should be allowed to stand in the way of the advancement of our HEALTH (or other matters) pertaining to the WELFARE of the people. Are You prepared to stand by and see our Soldiers and others suffering unnecessarily and going to early graves because you are too apathetic to help rectify matters?

Under such circumstances must they not realise the unnecessary sacrifice they are making for those behind the lines who will not put forward the effort even to give them a 100 per cent. Health Service? If we cannot get the lead otherwise, it is up to the women of New Zealand, as Mothers, Sisters, and Wives, to demand tbs. best, not second best, for their Husbands,,-Sons, arid Brothers. DO NOT DELAY! IT IS UNITY WE REQUIRE! WRITE TO THE MINIST" NOW demanding an inquiry into all matters pertaining to the welfare of the people. ACT NOW!!—Published by arrangement.