MOBILISATION OF DOCTORS.

Taranaki Daily News, 30 July 1917, Page 6

MOBILISATION OF DOCTORS.

PROPOSAL BY B.M.A. Wellington, July 20 A delegation from the British Medi|ca'i Association waited on the Ministers of 'Defence and Public Health with a proposal -for the mobilisation of the medical ■profession for war work. It was pointed out that, although the supply of doctors for the military had been adequate until now, difficulties would increase presently to such an extent that it would not ho possible to get a continuance of satisfactory services. The matter' required careful and elaborate organisation, but the association was prepared to undertake it. The opinion of the association was that the present voluntary method had been strained to about, breaking-point, and the medical profession, with r.o possible suggestion of self-interest, proposed to allow themselves to be mobilised and conscripted for foreign and home service. The crux of the scheme was that it would bo worked through an advisory board set up by the .Tirilish Medical Association, which board should he recognised by tho Government and endowed with the necessary powers. The board would be informed as to the numbci of medical men required, and a ballot would he drawn from the men oil the register in New Zealand io determine who should be allotted to those duties. In regard to pay, tho request was that every medical man conscripted should be guaranteed a net income of .£OOO, equal to the pay of a captain in tho Now Zealand Medical Corps, and to ensure this allowances would have to'be given for expenses. It was also agreed that all medical men, whether members of the association or not, should bo conscripted, the H.M.A. for the amended proposals, which he believed would go a long way towards removing the difficulties existing. He suggested that the details of the scheme should be set down in writing, and representatives of the association meet to discuss them with him. A | special committee was set up.