Department’s Work In Preventing Disease

Manawatu Times, Volume 70, Issue 267, 12 November 1945, Page 4

Department’s Work In Preventing Disease

(Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Nov. 10. “The importance the Government places on the value of preventive treatment in its public health policy is emphasised by the work of the department’s field staff scattered all over New Zealand which is making an outstanding contribution to the Dominion ’s social betterment,” said the Minister of Health (Hon. A. H. Nordmeyer) today. The latest returns would surprise those who were not aware of the practical steps the department was taking to promote good health. For example, during August 14,000 visits wero paid to homes throughout the Dominiiu by medical officers and nurses. The visits included 1400 for innoculations, of which 1200 were against diptheria. Ante-natal care was given to more than 1000 mothers remote from regular skilled advice and- 3500 infants wero atended in their homes or at clinics. “Particular attention is paid to a tuberculous household and every effort is made to keep the disease in check, with encouraging results,” the Minister said. “Altogether 1600 tuberculous cases were visited in their homes, involving 3000 visits, and, in addition, some 5500 contacts were seen.” Nlr. Nordmeyer said these figures did not tell the whole story, for the field officers also spent much time in visiting schools and in lectures. The record, however, made it apparent that a very full service was being given in. the interests of preventive treatment and the work continued to expand. The Government’s policy was to increase this staff as circunistances permitted and so increase the scope and effect of disease prevention.