THE RED PLAGUE.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 July 1919, Page 3

THE RED PLAGUE.

STEPS TO COMBAT IT, An important statement with regard to the measures to be taken throughout New Zealand to combat "the red plague" was made by the Minister of Public Health (the Hon. G. W. Russell) to a press representative on Saturday: To check the'spread of venereal disease in the Dominion, said Mr. Russell, the Public Health Department has requested the various hospital boards throughout the Dominion-to start special venereal disease clinics in the hospitals under their control. The necessity for such clinics was emphasised' owing to cases arising out of war conditions. The clinics are held in the evening, and are open to civilian as well as military patients. Tbey are conducted on strictly confidential lines, and any civilian desirous of obtaining treatment will bo given all information lir*sjerence thereto on application to the medical superintendent of the hospital in his district. Whilst it is compulsory for military patients to attend these clinics till they are cured, the attendance of civilian patients is voluntary. The Health Department has reported that, compulsory measures be adopted in reference to civilian venereal' cases, and with this in view I propose asking Parliament to pass a Bill giving the necessary powers. Such measures are now, I am, informed, in force in New South Wales, Victoria and West Australia, and if New Zealand is to keep these dread diseases in check it is necessary that legal power be given to enforce the compulsory registration and.treatment of all persons affected. The organisation of these clinics has been placed in the hands of a specially trained medical officer who was returned to New Zealand for the purpose from England by the military authorities, and who is now attached to the Health Department. This' officer has visited all the main centres in the North Island, and the clinics are now working there. At present he is on a similar mission to the South Island hospitals. Three other medical men are arriving shortly to assist in the work, after having gone through special training.'

In order to get a definite system of treatment of cases, the Health Department has published a pamphlet which has been posted to all medical practitioners in the Dominion. Any medical practitioner requiring particulars re venereal diseases will get the same on application to the officer in charge of contagious diseases, Health Department, Wellington.