THE EDITOR, Sir:
I WRITE in relation to Professor Doctor Lawson Douglas' letter listed as your 'Letter of the Day' a few Sunday's ago.
While no one would question the reputation or integrity of Dr. Douglas, he must realise that many of the "medical practitioners" of today do not seem to share the values of those of yesteryear. Like it or not therefore, it is a reality that documents signed by doctors are no longer "sacrosanct" as Dr. Douglas thinks they should be, with good reason, and he must simply come to terms with this fact.
As a businessman, it is commonplace to receive doctor's certificates authorising "sick leave" when it can be proved that the doctor in question did not even see the supposed patient. This is not "hearsay" as we have proven it on many an occasion and one wonders if the good Dr. Douglas would find it appalling that we investigate in certain such circumstances. While obviously not questioning if he has ever indulged in such unscrupulous behaviour, can Dr. Douglas truthfully say that he is unaware of doctor's certificates for sale? If he can say so, I would daresay in response that he is in the vast minority!
HIGH IDEALS
Dr. Douglas must be careful not to judge all medical practitioners by his own high ideals. If there is anyone to blame for any mistrust which may exist, it is some of these doctors themselves who by their own actions have slowly but surely brought their profession into disrepute.
As in every other profession, there exists both good and bad eggs. For him therefore to expect us to believe that every individual who is licensed to practice medicine is as morally upright and ethical as he, is an affront to those of us who certainly know better.
I am, etc.,
JOHN P. AZURE
Managing Director
KingAlarm Systems Limited
1 Caledonia Avenue
Kingston 5
