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57.
General consideration concerning the Statistics for 1928.
Comparison between the figures for the year 1928
and the preceding year reveals very little difference.
Some tables show a slight decrease in the totals, whilst
others are increased; and generally speaking the figures
reflect the principles and aims of the various Ministry
of Health memoranda (37, T. etc.) issued at various
times during the past three years; these memoranda
being chiefly devised to secure a uniform system of procedure
in all dispensaries and therefore a uniform system
of classification and records throughout the Country.
Of course such routine details as the times and numbers
of sessions, etc., arc matters which are left entirely to
the local authorities as being instituted in accordance
with the necessities of the district.
It might be of interest to point out that one very
important feature of the Ministry of Health Memo 37T
(and one which now-a-days has a far-reaching effect.'
especially in the matter of statistics) is the insistence of
a definite diagnosis in doubtful cases within a specified
period of three months. At the end of this period, the
time allowed for observation, the person must either be
registered as Tuberculous or discharged.
Although it is often a matter of considerable difficulty
to arrive at a definite diagnosis of Tuberculosis
within a limited period, it is certainly not advisable for
suspects to continue dispensary attendance indefinitely,
as the continued attendance of numerous suspects causes
congestion at the sessions and hinders the efficient supervision
and examination of those who are definitely suffering
from the disease, and more especially, new cases
and "contacts."
There has been an increase in the number of new
cases seen, the figures being (344 in 1927, and 718 in 1928;
at the same time, notifications have decreased slightly,
the number for 1927 being 225, and for 1928, 213.