DIPTHERIA INOCULATIONS FOR CHILDREN (Amending legislation)

Mr Goh Tong Liang asked the Minister for Health whether he will introduce amending legislation to make inoculation of children against diphtheria compulsory.

Mr A. J. Braga: Mr Speaker, Sir, I have referred this matter to the Medical Advisory Council and am awaiting their report, but it may be of interest to report to the House that considerable success has been achieved in the rural areas by the medical personnel manning the rural maternity and child health services with regard to diphtheria inoculation without any compulsion being brought to bear.