Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1909-01-01
FIGHTING TUBERCULOSIS.

l.
The fight against tuberculosis,
which is being waged systematically
in various parts Of the country, will
be taken up in this state, and the leg
fslative committee of the state medi-
cal society will meet in January to
prepare plans for appropriate legisla-
ton. The committee will have the
benefit of the experience of the anti
tuberculosis warfare in other states
rs to the best means to be adopted
and the legislature will be asked to
supplement the work Of the medical
fraternity and health departments of
Of the state with necessary 1egisla-
ton. Up to the present time the COM
mittee has under consideration the
following suggestions for laws:
First, that the appropriation for
the use of the department of public
health be increased at least $1,000
per annum, making it possible for
that department to carry on an ag-
gressive policy along sanitary lines.
The department now has an appropr1-
alton of $2,700 annually.
Second, that it be made mandatory
for attending physicians to report to
the state health department all cases
of tuberculosis coming within their
knowledge to the end that the par
tics so infected may be supplied with
suitable and reliable Information rel
at!ve to the best methods for the cure
Of the disease and Of the precautions
necessary to take in order to avoid
transmitting the disease to Others
Third, chat splitting upon sidewalks,
4 floor in a public building, cars or
any sort of public .conveyances be
declared a public nuisance, danger
GUS to public health, and upon con-
viction shall be punishable by a fine
Of not less than S. nor more than
$50 or by imprisonment in the coun-
ty jail not to exceed thirty days, or
both. .@u.g
Fourth, that suitable and suhici-
ent .sanatarium be established and
maintained at some proper and desir-
able location within the state and at
it, expense. where approved and up
to-late methods shall be applied for
the relief of those who may be admit
ted therein for care and treatment.
Money expended for the preserva-
ton OF the public health is we'll ex-
pended, and although there will be
many and heavy demands for funds
from the state treasury, we believe
The legislature will agree that the
state health department should be
better provided with funds. The sug-
Restion that cases Of tuberculosis he
reported to the state health depart
ment, for the instruction Of the pat
TENT as to the best means of combat
ting the disease is worthy of consid-
GRAFTON, although it would seem that
the attending physician having care
Of any tubercular patient would be
quick to give the necessary advice
q to care and treatment and the pre-
yention Of infection. The proposed
INTERPRETATION law Is wise and In
Iine with approved sanitation and 1t
si,ouId be passed and enforced, The
habit Of promiscuous expectoration is
shlthy, unnecessary and apt to be
dangerous to the public health. AS
to the establishment Of q tuberculosis
sanitarium, that is being done In
many sections of the country. and
splendid results obtained. One might
10 established IN this state in some
suitable place, although It is cues
tim whether tnds feature OF the pro-
teGsed anti tuberculosis fight will be
Sskained until the public is further
CHEATED 10 the whole matter. ~ Y
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