MEDICAL JOURNAL OF AUSTRALIA.

White Ribbon, Volume 22, Issue 256, 18 October 1916, Page 6

MEDICAL JOURNAL OF AUSTRALIA.

THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST VENEREAL DISEASE. “We have been informed that the* Commonwealth Government has de(ided to assist the State Government in the endeavour to control the spread of venereal di>eases. The sum of ,£15,000 has been ear marked this year for the purpose of subsid.sing on the jC for £ basis the work undertaken by any of the States on certain general conditions. A maximum has been fixed for each State. The sine qua non of this offer is that compulsory notification of venereal diseases on lines similar to those obtaining in Vestern Australia must be introduced. The Commonwealth Government will require evidence that the work has been efficiently planned, and that it will be carried out thoroughly Facilities must be provided for educat ing medical students and graduates in modern methods of research and clinical observation. The work will be subject to regul .r inspection by the Commonwealth authority. In addition to the subsidy, the Commonwealth Government proposes to institute investigations through the Quarantine Bureau, and to embark on an organised research in connection with some of the problems dealt with by the Departmental Committee.” “It will be noted that no attempt is made to render this work federal. The Commonwealth Government does not propose to interfere with the action of the State Governments in their individual attempts to exercise a complete control over syphilis and gonorrhoea. Each State will be free to carry out its own programme. There are indications that some movement will be made in each State. In Victoria, the introduction of a special Bill in the coming session will probably place this State in the same position as Western Australia. The matter has been occupying the attention of the Health Department of New South Wales for a considerable time. In view of the fact that the proposals contained in the Act of Western Australia are to a large extent experimental, it is probably a wiser expedient to leave each State free to adopt such legislative measures as it deems advisable. At a later date, after the experimental stage has passed, uniformity in con-

trolling the spread of infection should then be adopted hv all the six States. In the meantime, the various States will be well advised to accept the conditions of the Commonwealth Government, and to provide night clinics in connection with the hospitals, laboratories, and other facilities. The cost of installation will be borne by the Commonwealth, piovidjd that the work is undertaken in a manner reasonably promising of good results.”

THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN HEALTH ACT. “The various forms and pamphlets have now been issued to medical practitioners. In Form A. the nature of the venereal infection and the sex and age of the patient has to be stated. This form is for use in all fresh cases, and the duty devolves on the practitioner to explain to the patient the communicable nature of the complaint, and to hand him or her a pamphlet issued by the Department of Public Health. The pamphlet contains a short, elementary description of syphilis, gonorrhoea, and soft sore; a paragraph setting forth that prompt, expert, and persistent treatment is required to ensure cure; a paragraph pointing out that sexual intercourse is not necessary for health or essential to manhood; and lastly, a paragraph giving sound advice, with the object of avoiding infection, and also of informing the individual, should infection have taken place, what his legal obligations are.” Form B. has to b * use d w hen the patient absents him or herself from treatment for a period of more than six weeks. In this certificate, the name and address of the* patient has to be disclosed. Form C. is for use by a practitioner who is called upon to treat a patient previously under the care of another practitioner. Form I), is a certificate to the effect that, to the best of the practitioner’s knowledge, the patient is not at the time suffering from venereal disease in any form. In a note attached to this certificate, it is specially pointed out that it does not constitute a guarantee of cure. It merely indicates that the practitioner ran no longer detect signs or symptoms of venereal disease. Patients suffering from syphilis are warned that they should not regard themselves as cured unless active treatment has been continued for at least two years. In the rase of gonorrhoea, the sufferer is told that

the disappearance of visible discharge ; s not definite evideme of the absence of infertivitv.” “Circulars explaining the uses of the various forms, etc., and calling attention to the provisions made by the Department of Public Health for the carrying out of laboratory aids to diagnosis, are also sent to medical practitioners. A second circular i s addressed to every chemist (i.e., pharmacist) enclosing a copy of the. Act, and explaining the provisions contained therein in regard to the position of unqualified persons treating these diseases. The pharmacist is appealed to to assist the Department in carrying out the provisions of the Act faithfully.” INSANITY IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA. (Extract). “Heredity was noted as a predisposing cause of insanity in 47 patients admitted during the year, senility in 2X patients, and venereal disease in 18 cases. Alcohol was regarded as the exciting cause in 70 cases, epilepsy in 10 cases, and puerpural factors in 8 cases.”