MAKING MEN FIT

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 37, 13 February 1943, Page 6

MAKING MEN FIT

MEDICAL RESEARCH

RECORD OF ACHIEVEMENT

The development of medical research had been one of the outstanding features of New Zealand's war effort, according to a statement made t>y the Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, this afternoon when officially opening the Green Lane Hospital. The best possible appliances and methods for the prevention of disease had been used for the armed forces, he said, the aim being the maintenance of physical fitness under the most adverse conditions. "Advancement has been extensive," Mr. Fraser continued, "and the practical results recorded make an impressive record of achievement. It is apparent that in the treatment of sick and wounded men the most important developments have been, firstly, the use of new and efficient drugs to control disease and infection; secondly," the early treatment of shock by rest and transfusions; and, thirdly, the speeding up of the whole process of treatment of casualties. The use of blood transfusions Or blood serum in the treatment of hemorrhage, shock and burns is saving thousands of lives that would have been lost a few years ago. In addition to these aids, I wish to emphasise the. value of the devoted skill of our doctors and nurses in the war zones and the worK of research scientists. "The value of preventive inoculations should be understood. Among the New Zealand forces there have been few cases of enteric fever or tetanus, and there has been only one mild case of smallpox. This case, oddly enough, occurred in a physician who, although inoculated, had been engaged in attending a large number of Syrian children suffering from the disease. "Close medical attention has been given to diet, clothing and the early treatment of minor troubles, particularly foot disabilities. The result has been that our soldiers- in the field under most rigorous conditions have maintained an exceptionally high standard of physical fitness. ■ "The use of blood transfusions and new drugs, including the sulphanilamide group, known among Americans as the 'Sulpha Sisters,' has provided a boon in the war zones. Then there is the suppressive treatment of malaria. This is of the first importance to members of our forces serving in malarious countries.