THE "SWEATED" DOCTOR

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2825, 17 July 1916, Page 7

THE "SWEATED" DOCTOR

Sir,—Some people aro hard on the impoverished medical fraternity. Look round at their poor residential" mansions, observe the poverty-stricken appearance ol' their dashing motors. They seldom cim afford, the pleasure of sending cheque.? to patriotic or civic purposes. When are they and their families seen at picture shows or theatres? Why don't members of lodges listen (o medical advice and renounce tobacco and amusement u) nourish tho poor, "sweated" doctor? Only 3d. a lieau per week (they pathetically say) for each ono of a lodge inc-inber's family. Threepences soon become pounds sterling whmi extras aro added, and tho proportion of cases considered that' never make any call upon tho lodge doctor. The tentacles of the medical trust like cuttle fish, spread over the country, and pen juice obscures the issue. If'the friendly societies' custom is not worth having, and the doctors fed it a sweating burden, why not lot tho lodges havo their well-paid special medical attendant, imported or otherwise,, at. a fixed salary? No, a harm-less-looking Medical Registration Act was entered on- tho if.Z. Sta-tute Book a few years ago to block blacklegging. Then up wont charges. Lilco any tribesman, all operations are scheduled, and woo bo. tide the min discovered cutting rates. But like most trusts, rebates can bo had on tho quiet, that do not always show on tho books. Tho medical craft (C, not G, Mr. Printer) is on the crest of the wave. Its Jower ranks aro moro crowded each year, and thero are signs of tho Doctors' (Jnion being swamped in tho . surf.—l am, etc,. • BYSTANDER.

N.B.—Note tho date of tho attempt to double the charge to.friendly societiesAugust, 1914.