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(1) to examine for and issue a Diploma in Public Health Inspection as
the basic qualification to be recognised by the Minister.
(2) to examine for other certificates it may consider necessary for
public health inspectors
(3) to approve courses of instruction for all its examinations.
(4) to approve local authorities for the purpose of practical training; and
(5) to keep under review all questions relating to the recruitment, training
and examination of public health inspectors.
A recommendation has been made that paid pupillage with local authorities should
become the normal avenue of entry for public health inspectors. The Council has had
a paid pupillage scheme for many years. An occasional enquiry about the scheme is
received but the prospects of public health inspectors are not attractive to the boys,
and what is more important, less attractive still to their parents.
Despite the removal of former anxieties and fears such as unemployment, poverty,
workhouses for the aged, corporal punishment for children, etc,, and the increasing
scope of the 'welfare' state, the public is restless and the consumption of barbiturat
and tranquillisers increases. The present tendency to accept fear and anxiety as
evidence of illness, to excuse all departures from normal behaviour as due to faulty
upbringing, broken homes, etc. and to seek freedom from anxiety as the main aim of
society may be signs of sickness in society itself. Much is being learned of the
part fear and anxiety may play in illness and of the factors which contribute to
behaviour problems and to failure to live in harmony with the community, but in
mental as in physical health, no matter how much may be done by the medical and social
services, the individual must shoulder some responsibility. 'No personality
can be considered mature, balanced and integrated until he accepts responsibility
for his motives and actions and does so as freely as he makes his claims to rights.
Rights and obligations are, in fact, incapable of existence apart from each other
like positive and negative charges of electricity.
The year 1956 marked the centenary of the foundation of the Society of Medical
Officers of Health Probably no century in history has witnessed such marked changes
in medical and social development. The transformation in environmental conditions,
the provision of wholesome water supplies, the treatment of sewage and refuse, the
drive for pure and unadulterated food, the care of the school child, the measures
for the maintenance of the health of mother and child, the schemes for the welfare
of the physically and mentally handicapped, and the aged, and the sustained attack
on epidemic disease provide a continuous record of time, toil and talent given by
many. From the initial effort to establish sound sanitation the public health
service has steadily progressed and widened the sphere of activities. The notable
achievements of the past are a source of pride but there is still a heavy burden of
ill-health, both physical and mental, to be tackled if citizens are to enjoy the
fullness of life.
I have had willing co-operation from all other Departments. I would like to
thank the Council for their encouragement and support, and my staff for their loyal
assistance.
I remain,
Your obedient servant,
A. ANDERSON.
Medical Officer of Health.
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