X1000307-1951-52_Part01 — Page 61

209. Subsequent clinical examinations present a consider- able difficulty since the tuberculosis clinics, already overloaded, are the only organized units available for diagnosis and assess- ment on a large scale. As a result some assessment is carried out by medical officers engaged by these firms, but the majority is done by the tuberculosis clinics.

Future Outlook,

210. A new clinic is now being planned to take the place of the existing clinic in Harcourt Health Centre which is quite uu- suitable by reason of size and layout for a tuberculosis clinic and which possesses no X-ray department or even space to install a machine. This new clinic when completed, will ease the pro- blem of dealing with the large numbers of patients who attend yearly.

211. When one considers that during 1961 only 462 hospital vacancies could be allocated to the general public while 2,980 mininal active cases attended the clinics, the need for a sub- stantial increase of sanatorium beds needs no emphasis. At the same time the deteriorating economic conditions indicate a pro- bable further deterioration in the position regarding pulmonary tuberculosis,

212. The infant death rate from tuberculosis which con- stitutes 34% of the total may in due course yield at least in part to the B.C.G. vaccination campaign if this should reach a sub- stantial proportion of the infant population. On the other hand one can hold out little hope of a substantial improvement in the position of adult disease for many years to come unless new methods of treatment become available in quantity at a reasonable price.

213. The overcrowding problem is at present under review and a first step is being undertaken to provide additional hous- ing for the working classes at an economic rent. This scheme is being operated privately and is being sponsored by the Government. This if extended will do much to improve the tuberculosis position but like all other known methods will benefit the next rather than the present generation.

X-ray Survey of Government Servants.

214. The total number of individuals surveyed was 19,611 as compared with the total of 22,688 surveyed in 1949-1950 which included about 2,000 teachers from private schools. The overall figure constitutes not less than 95% of Government servants. Much of the survey work was done on the mobile X-ray unit which resulted in a more complete examination of departments. There was a considerable fall in the total number of police personnel X-rayed. The fall in the number of Marine Department employees is to some extent accounted for by departmental changes. No other significant changes in totals were observed.

215. As a result of the survey 2,640 individuals were called for examination at the tuberculosis clinics as compared with the previous survey total of 1,430, 628 of whom, on further examination, were found to be non-tubercular. 20 were found to be suffering from other disease and referred to appropriate clinics. In all 68 new active cases of pulmonary tuberculosis were discovered, more than half of which were minimal cases.

216. Analysis by departments is summarized herewith, only departments of 500 or more being recorded and the comparative figure for the previous survey being set out alongside for con- venience.

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