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Burns Epidemic
Abstract
The Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital admits increasing numbers of burned children every year. In 1973 over 600 children were admitted to the Burns Unit. The cost to the State for the treatment of this epidemic is in excess of R500 000 per annum at this hospital alone. In the Cape Peninsula over 1 100 patients sustain burns of sufficient severity to warrant admission to hospital. The figure for the whole country is unknown. Several courses of action are suggested, but in the light of experience obtained elsewhere it is obvious that a national drive will have to be instituted to halt this terrible affliction. The first step suggested is that the Minister of Health appoint a commission to collect data and advise him as to the best course of action.
S. Afr. Med. J., 48, 1767 (1974)
S. Afr. Med. J., 48, 1767 (1974)