GOVERNMENT MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS (Retention of remuneration from private consultations and operations)

Mr David Marshall asked the Minister for Health and Law whether he would make a statement as to the retention of remuneration by Medical Practitioners in Government Service in respect of private consultations and operations.

Mr Byrne: Mr Speaker, Sir, Government medical officers and specialists do not retain consultation fees or operation fees. Consultation fees and operation fees earned by Government medical officers are paid to revenue. A consultation fee is $25, but is $35 if a consultant has to make a home visit. Operation fees ranged from $25 to $500, and the fee payable depends on the nature of the operation and the accommodation provided to the patient.

In lieu of the fees previously earned by Government medical officers, Government specialists are paid specialist allowances. These specialist allowances vary from $200 to $500 according to the grade of specialist post the officer holds and whether the appointment is a clinical or an administrative one.

Certain miscellaneous fees earned by Government medical officers, such as attendance at court, preparation of medical reports and medical certification of workmen's compensation claims, may be retained by Government medical officers up to a maximum of $250 a month. Anything above this is paid to Government revenue. The fees charged for attendance at court are based on a schedule of charges approved by the Registrar of the Supreme Court. These fees are applied to the High Court but are used as a guide by Heads of Departments for determining fees for the lower courts.

Mr David Marshall: I would inquire whether the Minister would consider giving these specialists the incentive of retaining or receiving part of the fee, because most of the consultations are done outside their normal time in addition to their very heavy work. Does the Minister not consider that an incentive would be helpful in respect of private work from which Government benefit financially?

Mr Byrne: Mr Speaker, Sir, there was a lot of abuse with regard to these consultation and operation fees prior to 1958, and as a result a Committee was appointed to look into the whole question. A new procedure has been evolved whereby clinical specialists get a higher allowance in lieu of fees, and non-clinical specialists get a lower allowance, and yet a lower allowance for administrative medical officers. This system has been operating well, and in view of our past experience, it would be most in-advisable to reintroduce conditions which led to such abuse before.

Mr David Marshall: Do I understand the Minister then to indicate that, in fact, the specialists are satisfied with these new terms and, if not, would he be prepared to consider representations?

Mr Byrne: Up to date I have inquired into the position and I am not aware of any dissatisfaction with these specialist allowances. As far as specialists employed by the University are concerned, they have the option of either receiving consultation fees, as Government medical officers did before, or, if not, negotiating separately with the University for a higher pay. The provisions of the Government circular with regard to specialist allowances do not apply to specialist medical officers employed on teaching work in the University.