Health reforms won’t work without major changes, say King’s Fund and BMA

I agree with Dr Bickler and his two colleagues that there is no clear
responsibility on any organisatioun for the health of the public in the
currently framed legislation.

I served in the real(old) public health, pre 1974. Then the local
authorities were responsible for public health. But, that was not enough
for the purpose. There was the Medical Officer of Health of those
authorities, with statutory responsibilities for the defined population.
No one succeeded in gagging the MOH. No one succeeded in rendering the MOH
impotent. Of course people tried - but failed.

After 1974, the "Proper Officer" retained some powers and exercised
those powers. He had the statotory right to be heard by the Council and he
exercised the right - much to the embarrassment of some councillors, some
officers - locaL and national.

The Public knew who the "Proper Officer" was.

No, Dr Bickler, if you want the public to be protected , then bring
back the MOH of the pre-1974 model.

Will the Faculty of Public Health consider this suggestion? After
consideration it can of course reject it and give reasons for the
rejection.

JK Anand DPH FFPHM