SHORTAGE OF DOCTORS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 15, 12 October 1918, Page 8

SHORTAGE OF DOCTORS

A SERIOUS POSITION

DEMANDS OF THE ARMY

In consequence of tho shortage. of doctors throughout New Zealand, and particularly in the country districts, tho Minister of Public Health (Hon. G. W. Russell) recently asked tho Minister of Defence for information as to tho number of medical men employed by the Defence Department in New Zealand and abroad. He has received figures that show the position clearly.

The number of New Zealand medical practitioners at present employed' with the Forces abroad is 228. Of this number ten are on hospital ship dulyand eight aro returning to New Zealand.. There are approximately sixteen New Zealand medical officers employed in the East.

The numbor of medical men wholly employed by tlio Defence Department within tho Dominion is fifty-threo. This makes a total of 281 medical men who have been taken from ordinary practice and given purely military duties.

"The figures mean," said the Minister ctf Public Health yesterday, "that practically one-third of. the medical men who were actively engaged . in their profession before the war are now engaged in war du/ies. In the meantime there Is a serious lack of medical men in many of tho country districts, and the Health Department is frequently asked to provide doctors. Recently application has been made by tho Defence Department for the use of the services of medical men who are engaged as superintendents of hospitals. _ The Health Department has felt impelled to oppose in every caso the taking of men engaged in this important civilian service. Wo havo had to ask that in every instance where a medical officer employed in public service is taken for military duty tho Defence Department shall return, another doctor in his place."