Politics and the medical profession

For most of this century--particularly in the '40s, '50s and '60s--the emphasis among politicians and social planners has been on the provision of more and better health services. However, in the '70s a dramatic change of emphasis occurred and today most discussion of health care policy seems to relate to cost containment. Inevitably this has led to conflict. Aspects of conflict relating to the provision of health care will be discussed.