asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state what progress has been made in the treatment of chronic rheumatic diseases in the country; and whether he has any statistics regarding the incidence of these diseases and the percentage of cures effected.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Treatment of Chronic Rheumatic Diseases.
asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether, with a view to reducing the industrial incapacity and the suffering caused by chronic rheumatic diseases, he will arrange for official publicity regarding the work of the Dublin Rheumatism Clinic with the percentage of cures effected to date, so that sufferers from the diseases in the poorer districts of Dublin may be made aware of the facilities and treatment afforded therein.
I propose to take questions Nos. 13 and 14 together. The Dublin Rheumatism Clinic, which was established about a year ago, is under the management of an incorporated body. I am aware that there is up-to-date treatment provided in the clinic for all forms of rheumatic ailments under the supervision of a medical director, and I believe that the facilities for treatment are widely known throughout the City of Dublin. The experience gained in the working of the clinic and the results of treatment will be of value, and no doubt the management of the clinic will publish, at suitable times, reports on the working of the clinic. The Articles of Association provide that at every annual general meeting the chairman shall present a report of the progress and work of the association during the previous year. My Department have no means of obtaining statistics regarding the incidence of rheumatic disease amongst the population generally. I would refer the Deputy to the Fourth General Report of the Hospitals Commission which contains statistics regarding the incidence of rheumatic diseases amongst the insured population.