Punch,  54 (1868), 179.

A Poor Look Out for Country Paupers

Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Subjects:

Utilitarianism, Disease, Health, Medical Practitioners, Politics, Government, Charlatanry


    Begins by noting how attention has recently been directed to the filthy condition of workhouses, and discusses a report in the Pall Mall Gazette of the way in which inspectors working for the Poor Law Board investigate workhouses 'blindfolded by routine and red-tape'. Explains how poor-law commissioners now propose to make the already overworked and poorly paid workhouse medical officers carry out inspections for the board. Points out that such practitioners fear offending poor-law guardians who will make 'a scapegoat of their surgeon and consider him responsible for their own shortcomings'. Concludes by insisting that 'Punch protests with all his might against such vile humbuggery' and heartily supports the Pall Mall Gazette's plan for 'an auxiliary corps of medical and technical inspectors', a move that has led to 'improved management and inspection of workhouses', and in turn 'an immense and unexpected saving'.



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