SOCIAL HYGIENE.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 July 1925, Page 4

SOCIAL HYGIENE.

NEW REGULATIONS

WELLINGTON. July G. Cabinet lias approved of regulations to deal with venereal diseases under the title of “Social Hygiene Regulations.” Under those regulations every person shall he deemed to be suffering from syphilis in a communicable form unless two years have elapsed since the first appearance of the primary manifestations, that tiie patient has undergone treatment of not less limn one year to tlie satisfaction of a registered medical practitioner; that at least three months have elapsed since the completion of the last course of treatment. and that there have since been no further manifestations of the disease. It is provided that patients sit all prove recovery by the Wussermnn test. Gonorrhoeal patients shall lie deemed to suffer from the disease in a communicable form unless they have passed tests to prove they are absolutely free.

Medical men are required to report eases of any venereal disease coining under their treatment, and every person failing la comply with the regulations will be liable to a fine or £U). Tlie Director-General of I’ublie Health may supply any person suspected of having venereal disease” With a notice to submit himself for examination to a medical practitioner. Failing tlie production of a certificate of freedom from disease, the Director-General may authorise any two medical men to examine hint. Where the person to he examined is a woman, at least one oi' the nmdieal practitioners to examine shall lie a woman, unless a woman doctor is not available wilhiti twenty miles.

If any in>ti I'uhl person fails to furnish a certificate of freedom from venereal disease or is found to Lie .suffering from syphilis or gonorrhoea. he may lie removed to a hospital or other place of isolation, where he may he Tcopt for the purpose of cure for six weeks or any extension of the time required to complete the cure. Any person so detained may make application to a mar.istrate to lie examined liy two medical practitioners, and if found to he free from disease the magistrate shall make an order for It is release. The regulations provide for free treatment for any person tumble to pay for treatment, either in hospital or hy a private practitioner, necessary drugs to he supplied hy the Government. Any person shall he guilty of an of fence who while suffering from venereal disease in a communicable form shall engage in employment whereby food may be exposed to infection, and any person who fails to carry out faithfully the directions of his medical practitioner commits an offence ami is liable to a fine of £lO. Secrecy is enjoined on every person concerned in the administration of the regulations reagrding persons, under threat of a £-50 penalty, and all notices and communications will ho securely confidential.