CO129-518-7 Entitlement of licensed dental surgeons in private practice in the colony to free medical treatment... 30-7-1929 - 18-9-1929 — Page 5

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GOVERNMENT HOUSE,

HONGKONG, 30th July, 1929.

52812/28. (2)

My Lord,

With reference to Mr. Amery's despatch No.119

of the 12th of April, 1928, regarding the grant of free

medical treatment to the families of Government Medical

Officers, I have the honour to inform Your Lordship that a kindred question has arisen as to whether a licensed dental surgeon in private practice in the Colony is entitled to free medical treatment, as distinct from free maintenance,

in a Goverment Hospital.

2.

The existing rule is that Goverment medical officers are entitled to such free treatment; but in the present instance the only basis for the claim to be treated as a Government medical officer is the fact that in addition

to his private practice, the gentleman concerned has a

It monopoly of Government dental work at contract rates. is also argued that one member of the medical profession will always concede free treatment and advice to another; and that, as the dentist concerned would treat a Government medical officer free of charge, therefore he should himself

obtain

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE

LORD PASSFIELD,

&C.,

&c.,

&c.

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obtain free treatment from a Government medical officer.

This of course overlooks the fact that the Government

medical officer may be using Government facilities and

Government time to treat a private doctor, whilst the

private doctor treating a Government doctor uses only his

own time and resources.

3.

For these reasons I am doubtful whether the

application for free treatment in the present instance

should be granted and I shall be glad to have your ruling

in the matter.

I have the honour to be,

My Lord,

Your Lordship's most obedient

humble servant,

mento

Governor, &c.

age 6

age 6

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