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The term pre-tubercular is a convenient one which is often used in
connection with school children. It means that one is unable to find signs of
tuberculosis, although, judging by the appearance of the child, the poor
weight, (he family and previous history, etc,, one suspects that infection might
readily take place.
These and similar cases are kept under observation at the school clinic,
coming up usually once a fortnight and having their weight recorded.
A good many have a cod-liver oil emulsion given them, others have milk
ordered, and it few with whom the oil disagrees, are advised other means of
trying to improve the health.
The emulsion is administered by the Head Teachers on the school
premises (except during the holidays); the milk is warmed and given at lunch
time.
During the year 288 children have been put on the emulsion, and 81 are
now having the benefit of the milk. The total quantity of emulsion ordered
has been 1,205 sixteen-ounce bottles.
Dr. Strong has continued the use of the 10 per cent. Tuberculin ointment
for inunction in suitable cases, and was satisfied that it is a useful remedy: be
used it in three types of cases:— (1) those with enlarged glands of the neck,
(2) phlyctenular conjunctivitis that did not yield readily to the usual measures,
(3) some of the pretubercular children above mentioned. The preparation is
made by Duncan and Lockhart.
Crippling Defects and Orthopaedics.—In the early part of the
year, the Committee decided that surgical appliances be supplied free to school
children in cases where the family income falls below the limit fixed in the
Committee's scale for medical treatment, viz., 32/- for the parents and 6/- per
child, but that in other cases the proportion of cost to be paid by the parent
shall be determined after a consideration of the circumstances by the
Committee.
Also that as regards crippled children in residential institutions, these cases
be dealt with financially as they arise, after a consideration of the
■circumstances by the Committee.
As a result of the above, some eight children have benefitted during
the year.