FOREIGN DOCTORS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27040, 26 March 1949, Page 7

FOREIGN DOCTORS

ADMISSION TO AUSTRALIA BMA EXPRESSES CONCERN Rec. 0.15 a.m. SYDNEY, Mar. 24. The British Medical Association is investigating a report that the Prime Minister, Mr Chifiey, plans to bring foreign doctors to Australia to force the issue in the dispute over the Pharmaceutical Benefits Act. Mr Chifiey is reported to have discussed with the New South Wales Minister of Health, Mr C. A. Kelly, the introduction of alien doctors and their right to practice in New South Wales.

The Federal secretary of the BMA. Dr J. G. Hunter, said to-day that it was reported to him that Mr Chifiey had asked Mr Kelly to alter the Medical Practitioners’ Act to admit foreign doctors into New South Wales. Dr Hunter said if it were a fact it had come as a great shock to his association. “ Some move was being planned several months ago to admit foreign doctors into Tasmania, but nothing further has been done about it. Until we receive something official on this matter we cannot take any action to preserve our association.” New Formulary Issued

The Federal Government is sending fresh copies of the free medicine formulary and prescription forms to 3200 doctors who returned them unopened last year under British Medical Association instructions. This is being done so that the doctors may study the formulary before amendments to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Act are proclaimed.

When they are proclaimed, doctors who do not prescribe items in the formulary on Government prescription forms which entitle patients to free medicine will be liable to a maximum fine of £SO. Firm Stand Indicated

The BMA has advised its members to carry on their practices as at present. lri Melbourne the Victorian president of the BMA, Dr A. Lamphee, said that as soon as the Federal Government prosecuted any doctor, the Federal Council of the BMA would intervene with injunction proceedings aimed at bringing the matter before the High Court. All legal costs and any penalty incurred by any doctor would be met from the BMA Federal Independence Fund.