VENEREAL DISEASES

Otago Witness, Issue 3145, 24 June 1914, Page 13

VENEREAL DISEASES

HOW THEY SHOULD BE TREATED. LONDON, June 18. Giving evidence before the Royal Commission, Dr Skinner said, with reference to the serious diminution of the British Army, that syphilis was not an example of divine retribution or a sin. It was something that ought to be treated not by scourgings, but should be combated by every means that modern medical and surgical skill could devise. HOSPITAL SPECIAL COMMITTEE'S REPORT. WELLINGTON, June 18. The following Special Committee of the Wellington Hospital and Charitable Aid Board was recently appointed to consider the question of venereal diseases, more particularly in view of the report of a committee of the recent Medical Congress in Auckland, and the report on the subject furnished by the medical superintendent of of the hospital (Dr Hardwick Smith) The Rev. W. A. Evans (chairman), Dr Platts-Mills,. Mrs M‘Larcn, Dr M'Kcnzie, Rov. J. K. Elliott, Rev. H. Van Stave ren, Messrs F. Castle,* D. M'Laren, and J.’ Smith. After carefully considering the reports referred to, the committee has made the following recommendations to the Hospital Board: — (1) That facilities bo provided at the hospital and dispensaries for the treatment of persons suffering from venereal diseases. (2) That no charge be made to the medical practitioners in the Wellington Hospital * district for tests made in the bacteriological department in connection with examinations made with regard to venereal diseases. (3) That the local branch of the British Medical Association ha to co-operate with the s board for the purpose of giving lectures in connection with venereal diseases. (4) That all institutions —such as schools, universities, young men’s and young women’s associations, etc.—have a course of health lectures delivered bv members of the medical profession, and that lectures be given by the medical officer attached to the defence forces to the forces when in camp. (5) That the Minister in charge of the defence forces give instructions to discourage girls from visiting camps. (6) That the shipping companies be approached with a view to making grants to their medical officers for the purpose of enabling them to give lectures on venereal diseases to the officers, passengers, and crew on ships. (7) That the public bodies, such as hospital boards, make grants to members of the medical profession for lectures (to bo duly advertised) to young men and women. (8) That the Education Department ba approached with a view to making the subicct of sex physiology a compulsory subject on the syllabus for teachers’ examinations, and that a course of lectures be given to teachers by medical pract’tioners (where possible by women doctors to women teachers). (9‘ That copies of the foregoing recommendations bo forwarded to all the hospital boards in the dominion, and that they ba asked to co-operate with this board in an. urgent crusade. (10) That a deputat/on comprising members of this committee wait upon tha Minister of Public Health at the earliest opportunity, and bring before his notice the foregoing recommendations, and that the recommendations regarding payments of grants be especially brought before him with a view tn obtaining assistance from the Government. (11) That the Muv'ster of Public Health be recommended to have an Order-in-Coun-eil adopted giving cfPct to the provisions contained in elans" 19 of “ The Hospitals and Charitable Institutions Amendment Act. 19.13.” The Minister of Public Health has been approached with a view to receiving tbs members of the Special Committee as a deputation in connection with the above rcso'ntions. The report was adopted. GOVERNMENT ACTION PROMISED. AUCKLAND, June 20. A deputation of medical men interviewed Mr Massey and asked the Government to adopt the recommendations of tha committee appointed by the medical con-' ference dealing with syphilis. The speakers laid stress on the dangers of improper treatment by unqualified persons, and the need for disseminating information regarding the scourge. It was suggested that instructions on the subject should be given in Territorial camps by HfcjLcal officers. -wMr Massey said ; “The only reply I can, make is that I shall endeavour, along with my colleague, the Minister of Public Health, to give effect to the suggestions made.”