[The public health service as an instrument of health policy goal development]

Public Health service is an instrument that is absolutely essential in communal and national health policy. It cannot be replaced by independent doctors and institutions. Tasks of social and environmental hygiene will become increasingly important besides many other problems. This means adequate staff and equipment are an absolute must. Private enterprise cannot step in without causing irreparable damage. It is absolutely out of place and highly damaging to talk about subsidies. Doctors performing practice outside their Public Health duties can do so if that does not interfere with these duties and is not meant to cater to any alleled need for additional income. However, it is to be welcomed as a matter of principle since it is an effective and economic form of continuing education.