Background Informations
Reporting of TB Cases
Compulsory since 1947. Any doctor who diagnosed TB cases should report to a health center within 2 days after the diagnosis.
Role of Health Center (HC) in Japan
In principle, HC's activities are confined to preventive services, and HCs do not participate in curative services, except treatment of STD and artificial pneumothorax for TB.
Background Informations (2)
Methods of TB Treatment in Early 1950s
Major tools: Artificial pneumothorax
Chemotherapy: Indicated only for very severe cases such as miliary TB, and TB meningitis.
Surgery: Mostly thoracoplasty, sometimes pulmonary resection. Intubation anesthesia was introduced only after 1952.
Coverage of Health Insurance Scheme
Approximately 60% of the population had been covered by various health insurance schemes.
New TB Control Law Enacted in 1951
Objectives
To prevent the individual as well as social hazards caused by TB, thus to increases the public welfare.
Three Major Components
Mass health examination: Tuberculin testing those below 30 years of age and MMR for tuberculin positive reactors.
BCG Vaccination: For tuberculin non-reactors.
Distribution of appropriate methods of TB treatment: For diagnosed TB patients.
