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295
number of pupils whose physical condition was considered unsatisfactory
together with a decrease in those found to require treatment
or observation would seem to indicate an improvement in
the general physical condition of the Greenwich school child.
Support is given to this contention by the fact that there was an
overall decline of nearly 12% in children receiving medical treatment
(notwithstanding the increase of 15.2% in dental attendances)
and a fall of 39.6% in total defects dealt with at Minor Ailments
Clinics. Moreover, there was a decrease in cases of infectious
diseases as reported by heads of schools with mumps and measles,
in particular, showing reduction of 81.7% and 39.6% respectively.
Regrettably, the disquieting increase in the number of verminous
cases noted during 1970 persisted. This may be due to an increased
resistance to organochlorine compounds shown by the causative
parasite. The increase in the number of verminous cases continued
throughout the current year albeit at a reduced rate. Furthermore,
the provisional statistics for early 1972 indicate that the resurgence
of this condition has not yet been contained. However, with the
use of malathion in stubborn cases and the introduction of additional
treatment facilities, it is hoped that by the end of 1972 the
position will have been not only stabilised but improved.
John Kerr Brown,
Principal School Medical Officer.