The Panel Struggle
The panel struggle has reached a further stage. The minister of health, Sir William Joynson-Hicks, has written to Dr. Cox, medical secretary of the British Medical Association, stating that he regards the dispute, as concerns the position and payment of the panel physicians, undignified and unprofitable. As minister of health, he has to try to secure the best medical service he can, without putting undue strain on the taxpayer, the employer and the insured person, who are all partners in the matter. The physicians desire to obtain the utmost remuneration consistent with their views of fairness. The friendly societies desire to obtain as much advantage as possible for the millions of insured persons. The minister, naturally, has to take into account both standpoints, but the final test for him is what is best in the public interest. The profession claims that at least $2.25 capitation fee is