THE RED PLAGUE.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 June 1921, Page 9

THE RED PLAGUE.

TREATMENT OF VENERATJ DISEASE. WHAT THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT IS DOING. The work of the venereal clinics established in New Zealand over two years ago is surveyed in the Journal of Health and Hospitals. Each of the four cities has a clinic, attached to the general hospital. I’iee treatment is given in cases of venereal disease, and the officers say that much valuable work is being done. Wellington has a special ward which will about twenty inpatients, and it is hoped to have similar wards in each of the centres at no distant date. The specia) ward <in Wellington accounts, to a certain extent, for the greater number of cases that are attended as compared to the other centres, although the principal reason is the floating population composed of seamen and other non-residents. Overseas seamen particularly who are suffering from syphilis Avould be prohibited from landing in the other centres, but in Wellington, as they can be kept under surveillance, they are taken into the Avard, and often kept there until their vessel leaves the Dominion.

The contagious diseases branch was formed primarily for the treatment of soldier syphilitics,” says the Journal, “and that it has merited its existence is proved by the fact that three Hundred men have been certified as cured, aud as many more are at present having no treatment, but observation and blood /tests. From the beginning, however, civilian cases Avere encouraged to attend, and now they are not differentiated, all being classed “civilians,” bu,'t the percentage of men attending who contracted their disease on active service is noAv very small. It is particularly satisfactory to note that female patients are displaying no diffidence about coming forward for treatment at the clinics, “The same conditions, on a modified scale, as are to be found in the centres are in vogue in every 'town in NeAV Zealand. Hospital superintendents administer the ‘carry-on’ treatment for exmilitary cases, and, in the absence of a hospital, a private practitioner is paid by the Department for any treatment given, the Department also supplying all drugs, etc., free. Indigent civilians are also treated free outside 'the centres (the Department defraying the cost), providing the case is in the interests of public health, and that in the opinion of thu doctor the circumstances are such as to Avarrant free treatment.

“From the above it will be seen that the Department is making every effort to facilitate the treatment of venereal disease by both hospital boards and private practitioners, and by the establishment of clinics; and altogether we are assured that splendid results are being attained from the steps taken in combating it. The system is Avell formed to cope with the increased activities that Avill be forthcoming when more power and authority will be provided in the proposed amendments to the Social Hygiene Act, 1917.”