MORPHINE TABLETS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 4962, 14 April 1926, Page 2

MORPHINE TABLETS.

A PATJIETIC CASE.

REQUEST TO HOSPITAL BOARD.

At a recent meeting off the Thames Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, acting on a medical recommendation, it was decided to supply a Waihi patient with morphine tablets. At a meeting of. the board on Monday a pathetic application was received for,, another supply. Briefly, the facts- were that the patient was a married man who had lost the use of his hands, arms, and legs. Some relations by nutrriage contributed ( to the family’s, support, but as they, teo, were in reduced circumstances a hardship was suffered in providing for the patient. It would be absolutely impossible for the relatives to purchase the tablets, which the pat’ent could not live, without. He could not be left ajone, but if some tablets could be procured his wife would be enabled to undertake work and thus relieve the financial strain on the impoverished relatives.

In the short discussion following the reading of tiie application Mr JW. Danby disagreed with the principle involved in financially assisting, “drug addicts.” It would be just ap reasonable for the board to provide champagne or whisky for an impoverished drunkard.

The chairman (Mr W. E, Hale) replied that this was not a parallel cape.

Mr Danby retorted that he would be glad to know of a distinction. The chairman explained .that the applicant suffered great pain Jrom a physical disability over which he had no control, and medical men had recommended the board to supply morphine In. small- quantities. If this was not done the man, his wife, and" two children would become a charge on the board. It would be decidedly chea.peir to supply the morphine.

In answer to Mr A. R. Robinson the secretary said that \ the hospital charged 5s for morphia which was retailed by chemists for 18s.. -

Mr P. E. Brenan remarked that it was refreshing .to learn that chemists, wore able to ina,ke a small profit on

the sale of the drug'. The chairman . further explained that a morphia supply for the .applicant would, cost the board £1 a month, as against £4 monthly if the man and his family were maintained by the board. It was decided to forward morphia in limited quantities i .