WAR KEEPS DOCTOR FROM SPECIALIST HOSPITAL SCHEME

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 15, Issue 76, 31 July 1950, Page 5

WAR KEEPS DOCTOR FROM SPECIALIST HOSPITAL SCHEME

The Whakatane District Hospital is not now to have the services of an ear, nose and throat specialist, as was expected some weeks ago, because of the Korean war. Whakatane has joined a scheme operated by the Cook Hospital Board, Gisborne, whereby it is visited each month by various specialists, who are posted at Gisborne. Other hospitals along the East Coast and Opotiki are in the scheme, which will bring specialist treatment to these out of the way districts. The appointment of an ear, nose and throat specialist was approved some time ago when Dr A. E. Khan, of Sydney, was chosen for the position. Now, however, the Cook Hospital Board has been advised by Dr Khan that he is prevented from accepting the position because of the Korean war.

At the time of his application some months ago Dr Khan, who saw wartime service with the R.A.A.F., held a medical appointment with the Air Force in Australia. He has now been mobilised with a research' unit of the R.A.A.F. and is thus 'prevented coming to New Zealand. The mobilisation came about since the war in Korea commenced. The position in Gisborne carried a salary of £ISOO a year.