Problems of Medical Service in Remote Corners of the Country

We have undertaken in the past two years otorhinopharyngo-laryngological mass examinations in remote corners of Ishikawa Prefecture. In this project we examined the total of 1, 508 people in 30 days and in 23 areas all inclusive. In number, females surpassed males by 6 to 4, and the younger population in and below 20 years and the advanced age group in and over 60 exceeded other age groups. While major complaints were impared hearing, tinnitis, nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea and the feeling of a foreign body in pharyngo-laryngeal area, the cased found in higher percentages were those of chronic rhino-sinusitis and chronic inflammation of pharynx and larynx. Of these patients only 10.3% were receiving medical treatment and the rest were left almost untreated, mostly for lack of the sense of illness or for difficulty of access to doctors. In the light of this situation we first pointed out the necessity of securing adequate number of docters as a problem of medical service, but it is a problem difficult of early solution. Under the circumstances, we reported on our experience in Ishikawa Prefecture in relation to the need to enlist the cooperation of medical schools and other related institutions in the health control of the residents concerned by way of a provisional measure to cope with the situation. Secondly we desired the enactment by local public entities of positive health measures for the residents under their jurisdiction;thirdly we pointed out the necessity of drastic measures for the transportation of out-patients;and fourthly we called for the better realization by the residents themselves of the importance of their health.