Tuberculosis “Still Demands Respect And Attention”

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30188, 20 July 1963, Page 15

Tuberculosis “Still Demands Respect And Attention”

Although tuberculosis Is waning it still demands respect and careful attention, says the annual report of the Canterbury and West Coast Tubercolosis Association

The report, to be presented on August 1, says that as with other freedoms, the cost of freedom from Tuberculosis is increasing vigilance. There is less fear now about tubercolosis. The man in the street accepts mass x-rays as one of the benefits of the welfare state. And he knows that if he has to give up work for weeks or months he and his family will be supported financially and socially. The year was notable as another mile stone in the attempt to eradicate the disease. says the report. Only 28 patients remain in the tubercolosis annex of Coronation Hospital, and another 180 receive treatment at home or at work.

Mass X-ray and other methods of detection has found many suffering from the early stages of the

disease. This means little or no effect on their work, and as a result requests for assistance have been reduced, says the report. The finance committee reported an excess of income over expenditure of £483. More was spent than received in the two previous years. Tlie total expenditure last year was £1717. Aid to patients and former patients amounted to £lOO5, including £l7O spent by the Sanatorium Service Committee, compared with a total of £1521 in 1962.