LEGISLATION TO CHECK SPREAD OF TUBERCULOSIS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22690, 15 July 1948, Page 6

LEGISLATION TO CHECK SPREAD OF TUBERCULOSIS

(P.R.) WELLINGTON. July 14 A Government measure introduced in the House of Representatives this afternoon in charge of Miss M. Howard, Minister of Health, is the Tuberculosis Bill giving greatly widened powers for the better treatment of persons suffering' from this disease. Medical practitioners are required to report all cases discovered and persons under treatment in institutions and are required to maintain official contact after discharge. Medical officers are to be given the power of entry into premises occupied by tuberculosisaffected persons, if necessary, and where reasonable precautions are not being taken to prevent the spread of infection a medical officer may give directions which, if not followed, will involve a penalty. A Hospital board will have extended power to maintain tuberculosis clinics and equipment, and medical officers of health can secure the isolation of patients likely to spread infection, this being done by order of a magistrate who may require the affected person to be detained in an institution for a period not exceeding three months. The bill makes provision for loans to patients for shelters or portable huts and the Minister will have authority to make arrangements for the vocational training of tuberculosis sufferers.