PORT MEDICAL OFFICERS

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 283, 30 November 1931, Page 6

PORT MEDICAL OFFICERS

Those of us who remember the influenza epidemic in this country are never likely to belittle the process of '"'passing the doctor." It is usually indeed no more than a "passing," and no great test of skill on the part of the doctor. The port medical officer is certainly not overpaid, and for more than one reason must always hesitate nervously before "holding up" a ship or even a single passenger. The ship's doctor is, however, well fitted to report upon the health or otherwise of the whole ship's company, and upon him should be laid the responsibility of ordering quarantine and detaining individual passengers. In contact with them throughout the voyage, and called to attend everyone ailing, he is thoroughly conversant with the general health of the ship. The day before making port it is easily jiossible for him to < y>ai*ade the passengers and crew for a fairly thorough examination and the port officer should be called by him in consultation if necessary, but only as one ■having local authority and therefore abler to see the wishes of the ship's doctor satisfied. The suggestion that intercolonial ships should be exempt from inspection is unreasonable unless they carry a doctor. At some period between embarkation and landing at port of arrival there should be an absolute check put upon the entry of dieease carriers of every kind. It is to the interest of shipping companies to encourage transport, emigration and tourist traffic and to the interest of each nation to part with its sick and ailing, but it is only the country of reception which has a paramount interest in keeping its immigration stream pure and healthy. Persons of sound constitution are In acquisition if free from mental and moral taint, and if settlers are needed or not there should be a medical net of small mesh to strain out the undesirables. Once upon our soil it is difficult, mostly impossible, to deport those who may, and do, become a charge upon our charity, yet 1 have, known cripples and tubercular eases to land unquestioned and unhindered. We have, despite our previous lack of care, a low death rate, but a high morbidity rate, which shows that we care for our sick, but have more of them than we should have to provide for if we had barred the influx of disease-affected people. Instead of lessening our precautions we should increase them, have a doctor- on every passenger ship and guard all gangways medically ae we do the encircled hawsers against' rats. —HAY.