Healthy Persons in Greece

The present paper includes the first results of a survey carried out by the Photofluorographic Center established a t the Rizarion School in Athens. This survey has been of very great importance for Greece, in view of the unreliability of the tuberculosis mortality statistics, and in view of the fact that the law of compulsory notification of infectious diseases does not apply to tuberculosis in Greece. The establishment of the Athens photofluorographic center a t the end of 1945 can be considered to be a pioneering effort in public health in Greece. Since April 1946, a second dispensary has been operating in Salonika, both centers being under the direction of the Central Committee for investigation of the Incidence of Tuberculosis in Greece. Up to the end of 1946, the Athens Center has examined 70,000 persons and the Salonika Center 20,000. In addition, a Mass X-Ray Survey Center established by the Tuberculosis Section of UNRRA during the summer of 1946 examined 10,000 persons in Patras. Surveys are carried out by examining apparently healthy groups, i.e. personnel of the Armed Forces, of Educational Institutions, of the Public Services, of mixed enterprises and factories and special groups. A 35 mm. miniature film is taken in the first place, and of those examinees whose films exhibit suspected pulmonary tuberculosis a large x-ray film is then taken, and the final diagnosis is made on the basis of the large film, combined with a clinical examination of the individual. Definite tuberculous examinees are then notified and informed about their condition, and receive pertinent advice. The Athens Center conducts its own follow-up of suspects and of definite cases, because Greek State Dispensaries lack the means and the modern organization which are necessary for properly carrying out this service. Unfortunately, no laboratory facilities are available in the Athens Center for carrying out such tests as examination of sputum, blood sedimentation rates, etc. However, it is hoped that with the establishment of the Institute for Chest