We fear that there is only too much room for
criticism. Mr. Lloyd George's idea of improving the physique of the nation by providing even the poorest with regular medical attendance was excellent in theory. All the wage-earners were to be insured, and though some would want much attendance and others little or none, the funds subscribed would easily bear all the various risks. No doubt some patients have greatly profited by the panel system, and most doctors with large panels would -not willingly consent to its abolition. But on the whole it cannot be pretended that the system ensures what it is always most important to have—careful diagnosis. Large numbers of insured persons do not go to their panel doctors. We are not at all against insurance as such, but entirely in favour of it. The time is coming soon, however, when there will have to be a review of the working of the panel system.
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