THE MEDICAL SERVICE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 68, 14 December 1918, Page 6

THE MEDICAL SERVICE

APPOINTMENTS FOR MILITARY DOCTORS. During the next twelve months the shortage of doctors that, lias existed in New Zealand will be relieved by the return of more than 200 medical men at present on service with the Expeditionary Force. The medical officers who left New Zealhiid for active service have begun to return already. They are arriving with every transport carrying returned men,, and they will be made available for civilian practice as quickly as possible. It is the intention of the Defence De-' partment and the Public Health Department that the medical men who have served with the Expeditionary Force shall have first claim upon all public appointments. Health officers, medical superintendents, subsidised medical men, and 'o forth will be recruited us far 'as possible from the ranks of the doctors who have worn the King's uniform. Jinny of these military doctors laid down practices wild)) they entered the forces, and it is impossible for them to recover their old connection after long, absence.

Many suggestions have been made lately that the Government should organise, the medical service, and also the dental service, on a national basis. It does not appear that the Government, for the present at any rate, contemplates any comprehensive schemes on these lines, but the proposals made in the Public Health Amendment Bill, passed during the recent session, foreshadow increased employment of medical men by the N State and the. municipalities. Tile military dental organisation will, remain in existence during the demobilisation period, and .suggestions are being made already that it, should be continued, on a non-military basis, as an adjunct of the.Public Health Department and the Education .Depart-, ment.