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23
THE PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF TUBERCULOSIS
Dr. R.H.J. Fanthorpe, M. D., M.R. C. P.
Chest Physician
Measures for the prevention and treatment of Tuberculosis
are directed from the Chest Clinic and the results during 1962
may be regarded as satisfactory.
The number of deaths from all forms of Tuberculosis during
1962 was 14 which shows a decrease of 7 when compared with 1961.
The number of new cases of tuberculosis diagnosed during the
year shows a decrease compared with 1961. Whilst this may be
considered to be satisfactory it would be quite wrong to acquire
a complacent attitude. It is only hy persistent and well organized
case finding methods that this disease can be eradicated.
At the present time good progress is being made, and this progress
should encourage us to redouble our efforts in dealing
with this eminently treatable disease.
The General Practitioner Miniature X-Ray Service continues
to function in a satisfactory way and is well used by the Local
Practitioners.
The results of this service are summarised below:-
Number of miniature films taken 4, 553
Number of patients recalled for examination and
large film 687
Number of active cases of Pulmonary Tuberculosis 31
Number of cases of lung cancer found 34
It will be seen that the number of patients found suffering
from Pulmonary Tuberculosis represents a rate of 7.0 per 1,000
which compares favourably with the figure of 1. 1 per 1, 000 from
Public Mass X-Ray Surveys. It should be realised that patients
referred to the clinic for Miniature X-Ray usually have chest
symptoms whereas many patients attending public Mass Radiography
sessions have no symptoms.