Tuberculosis Bill

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25553, 22 July 1948, Page 4

Tuberculosis Bill

The incidence of tuberculosis in New Zealand fully justifies the powers given in the Tuberculosis Bill to provide better treatment for sufferers and prevent the spread of the disease. Some provisions of the bill, which is now being discussed in the House of Representatives, cannot become effective for a considerable time because of shortage of nurses and lack of hospital accommodation; but it should firmly base future efforts to reduce the incidence of tuberculosis and the number of deaths from it. Much has been done to increase the safeguards against tuberculosis, but figures given by the Minister of Health (Miss M. B. Howard), when moving the second reading of the bill, show that it is a constant and virulent disease, and still more has to be done to control it effectively. Though the death-rate is not increasing—there was a record low figure of 874 deaths last year—the number of known sufferers has increased from 7526 in 1944 to 9821 last year. The increase is believed to be the result of improved methods of case-finding and notification, but it does not disguise the need to improve the control and treatment of tuberculosis. Official figures show that the disease is the fifth highest cause of death in New Zealand, and the highest single cause of death in females between 20 and 30 years. One-fifth to onesixth of the hospital population is suffering from tuberculous-disease, and Miss Howard says that 40 to 50 new cases of tuberculosis are notified to the Department of Health each week. These facts are an overwhelming argument for a bill such as the Minister has introduced. Though many existing regulations and prohibitions are included in the Tuberculosis Bill, this is necessary to effect uniform control of the disease by legislation instead of by administrative action, which, according to Miss Howard, has revealed certain weaknesses. Several clauses in the bill, including those designed to prevent the spread of infection, should importantly affect the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis. All those concerned with the after care of sufferers will welcome the provision for vocational guidance assistance and industrial rehabilitation courses for those wishing to undertake employment or work on their own account. Suitable employment for those who are discharged from a sanatorium is not always easy to obtain, and the Government’s proposal should assist them to resume a normal life. The proposal to encourage the establishment of tuberculosis associations acknowledges the valuable work that has been done by existing bodies; and the provision for subsidies should enable them to widen the scope of their welfare activities. The Tuberculosis Bill may not meet all needs. Some of the obligations it placets op hospital boards cannot, be fully discharged to-day, but it is a bill for the improvement of the nation’s health. As such it should have the widest support.