VENEREAL DISEASES

Southland Times, Issue 19099, 17 November 1923, Page 6

VENEREAL DISEASES

AMERICAN CLINICS. REPORT BY DR. WILSON, WELLINGTON. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, November 16. Important observations on the treatment of venereal disease were made by Dr. D. MacDonald Wilson, Medical Superintendent of the Wellington Hospital, on his recent visit to America. He reported to the Wellington Hospital Board to-day that clinics for venereal disease were held in all centres. The work was usually carried on under the local health authority and free treatment was given by them, either at country or municipal hospitals and at clinics in various wards of large cities. Other recognised clinics may be at other hospitals where the usual out-patient fee is charged, or doctors may specialise and conduct clinics. He Stated that a doctor may require to obtain a license to conduct such a clinic, and his premises must be open to inspection by the health authority. However, as long as the clinic is being conducted on modern lines and the latest methods are employed, the doctor is not interfered with. There is notification of venereal disease in the United States of America by name, and in Canada by number. Some States enforce notification very strictly, but from all he could gather other States are more lax. Generally in the United States of America the authorities are active, and no sentiment is wasted in attempting to stamp out the evil. However, as regards actual facilities to the patient he did not find New Zealand was in any way behind their methods or procedure.