New V. D. regulations

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33814, 10 April 1975, Page 9

New V. D. regulations

i.\ Z. Press Assoctatton) WELLINGTON. An increase in venereal diseases was causing the Government concern, the Minister of Health (Mr McGuigan) said. He was commenting on the issue of regulations which are designed to bring veneral diseases under better surveillance. They take effect in a month. “The regulations endeavour to define more clearly the position of people with ! syphilis and their treatment,” the Minister said. They make better provision for medical examination

and tests to determine whether a patient is suffering from syphilis. ano whether a patient known to be suffering from that disease has been cured. TRACING The regulations also empower. but do not compel, a medical practitioner to advise the medical officer of health of anyone believed to have had intimate sexual contact with one of the practitioner’s patients while that patient was suffering from ; syphilis. The Minister said the ' regulations did not bring I venereal diseases into line with other notifiable diseases, .'such as hepatitis or salmonella.

"The doctor is not compelled to report cases of venereal disease." he said. “We brought the regulations in because we are concerned at the increase m venereal diseases. Gonorrhoea shows the greatest increase The regulations allow easier tracing of contacts and defining rhe contraction itself, the Minister said. Tidying cemeteries. — The parks and recreation commit tee will recommend to the Citv Council that offenders serving periodic detention should tidy up some of the city’s cemeteries — notably the Sydenham and Addington cemeteries. An approach will be made to the Department of Justice.