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47
insured person suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis is
entitled, irrespective of the stage at which the disease exists, to
immediate admission into, and treatment in a sanatorium.
Nor is it realised that only in certain cases is treatment in a
sanatorium likely to prove beneficial.
The term " Sanatorium Benefit" is a comprehensive
term, embracing—
(a) Treatment at home (domiciliary treatment);
(b) Treatment at a Tuberculosis Dispensary;
(c) Treatment as an out-patient of a Hospital;
(d) Treatment as an in-patient of a Hospital;
(e) Treatment in a Sanatorium.
Section 16 of the National Insurance Act provides for
Sanatorium benefit for insured persons suffering from all forms
of tuberculosis, subject to the case being recommended by the
Insurance Committee.
Section 17 extends sanatorium benefit to the dependants
of insured persons if the Insurance Committee think it
desirable. I may say that so far no instance of the Insurance
Committee having availed themselves of the power given by
this Section has come to my knowledge, as far as this Borough
is concerned.
The fund originally set aside for sanatorium benefit in
London (1s. 3d. annually in respect of each insured person) which
amounts to about £80,000 per annum, has been depleted to the
extent of £30,000 per annum to provide for the payment to
medical practitioners on the " Panel" of an additional sixpence
per annum in respect of persons receiving domiciliary treatment.
As a result of this redaction of the amount available
the London Insurance Committee does not possess sufficient