Candidates on the attack against wayward doctors

THE declining public image of doctors is a major worry among candidates seeking election to their professional body tonight.

Candidates have lashed out at doctors who illegally sell drugs and others who cheapen the image of the medical profession.

Nine candidates are lobbying for six seats on the 24-member council of the Hong Kong Medical Association, five of which will span the 1997 handover.

Two candidates have sent out letters canvassing for votes, in which they single out doctors' deteriorating public image and express concern about medical administration by lay people.

'Medical doctors no longer enjoy the respect they once commanded,' cardiologist Dr Tse Tak-fu told colleagues in his election letter.

'In the eyes of some, they are unethical mortals who should be reported and penalised. 'We must ensure that we are good and righteous ourselves so that the community would not impose lay people to rule over us.' The high-powered field of candidates consists of Hong Kong University Dean of Medicine Professor Chow Shew-ping, British Medical Association president Dr Robert Law Chi-lim, Ruttonjee Hospital chief executive Dr Liu Shao-haei, paediatrician Dr Chow Chun-bong, dermatologist Dr Lai Cham-fai, Queen Mary Hospital senior surgeon Dr Kwok Tin-fook, Hong Kong University reader in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Dr Tang Wai-king, cardiologist Dr Patrick Ko Tak-him and Dr Tse.