Effect of Chest Clinics

Te Ao Hou, December 1956, Page 62

Effect of Chest Clinics It is an interesting fact that, soon after the augmented Chest Clinic service became available, the Maori death rate from tuberculosis began to fall rapidly. In fact, when shown on a chart, it is most spectacular, an almost vertical drop. From 1920 till 1945 the figure had remained well over the 300 per 100,000. After 1945 the rate fell rapidly. By 1954 it was down to 78 which is less than the European rate for 1900. It looks as if the figure will continue to fall, though one cannot say if it will fall as rapidly as it has done in the last few years. However, this big drop in the death rate is a most hopeful augury. But the Maori death rate is still too high. It is still about seven times as great as the European death rate and the Maoris have still a long way to go before they catch up. There can be no slackening of the efforts to conquer tuberculosis. It is no use being satisfied with present results and resting on our oars. That can only lead to disaster. It is only by team work on the part of the doctors, the nurses and the Maori people that T.B. amongst the Maoris can really be brought under control. The doctors can supply the specialised advice and treatment, the nurses can help by home visits and guidance, but the Maori people themselves have a great part to play by seeking to attain better standards of living, and by co-operating with Chest Clinics and with the advice given by the doctors and nurses.