A20. The following appeared in a budget proposal for the country of Salutopia. “Over the past 20 years the birth rate in Salutopia has declined. During that same period, however, the number of physicians practicing in Salutopia has steadily increased, and the average number of patients treated by each physician has decreased by 30 percent. Meanwhile, average life expectancy in Salutopia has risen to 71 years, and the mortality rate fell significantly last year. Since such data indicate dramatic improvements in public health and a more than adequate supply of physicians in Salutopia, the national medical college need not expand and can perhaps even reduce its size.”
1The trend over the past 20 years does not indicate the following trend will be the same. 2The very reason for the longer life expectancy may just be the improvement of medical care. 3When the above-mentioned possibilities are considered the author's suggestion is therefore groundless. |