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53
The panel doctors are required to furnish medical
reports on prescribed forms to the tuberculosis officer,
(1) on becoming aware that any of their panel patients
are suffering from tuberculosis, and, (2) subsequently
at intervals of not less than three months. The
tuberculosis officer is required to communicate with
the panel doctor when the latter notifies the case of an
insured patient and offer to collaborate with him regarding
the case. The tuberculosis officer is also
required to submit reports to panel doctors and the
Ministry have issued model forms for the purpose.
The object of the Regulations is to secure the early
and accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis among insured
persons; to promote early and effective treatment;
to encourage preventive measures and to ensure that
there should be a definite understanding at each stage
of the disease as to who is for the time being immediately
responsible for the patient's treatment.
The forms suggested by the Ministry are somewhat
elaborate, and their use involves much clerical work
on the part of the tuberculosis officer and the panel
doctors. They are, however, issued for the guidance
of those concerned and are not compulsory. Most of
the information contained in the panel doctors' reports
is already known to the tuberculosis officer, but it is
useful for him to have the right to ask for a report in
certain circumstances. Personal letters between the
dispensary and the panel doctors are, however, less
automatic and irksome than printed forms and are
more likely to encourage interest in the clinical aspect
of the cases. The principles laid down by the Ministry
are, however, very sound and should be acted upon for
the benefit of all patients, insured and uninsured.
During the year 130 medical reports were received
from panel doctors in addition to a large number of
short reports, letters and consultations over the
telephone. 388 reports were sent by the tuberculosis
officers to doctors.