Punch,  30 (1856), 167.

Mr Punch's Medical Reform Bill

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary; Abstract

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Government, Politics


    Noting the similarities between the second medical bill of Francis R Charteris (Lord Elcho) and that of Thomas E Headlam (both of which proposed to fine medical men five pounds for not registering), Mr Punch introduces the principal clauses of his own (third) medical bill. These seek to repeal existing laws concerning the medical profession, establish a new medical corporation from 'legally qualified' practitioners, provide for the registration of medical practitioners, prevent legally-qualified practitioners from recovering changes for attendance, enable non-legally qualified practitioners to exact charges for attendance, and disallow 'all action of damages for malpractice'. Mr Punch expects this bill would force medical corporations to pay greater attention 'to the promotion of medical science', as well as allow medical men to be paid an honorarium per visit, and by enabling quacks to be paid and punished, 'sicken those who might resort to them for cure'.



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