-3A resident physican assists in these visits,
Because of the particular concern related to radiation effects
on the thyroid, a separate baseline comparison group has
been established, consisting of approximately 500 persons
on Rongelap and Utirik and a limited number of other atolls.
While this group does not receive complete annual physical
examinations,
they do provide a baseline for a number of
thyroid function tests and thyroid disease incidence rates,
The medical program may need to be expanded in FY 80:
1.
Persons who resided on Bikini will be included in the
program.
2.
,
.
Baseline medical information will be obtained on persons
scheduled to return to Enewetak; this may include in
excess of 450 people.
3,
It may be necessary to conduct a medical survey of
approximately 600 persons who were present on Likiep
.
in 1954.
4.
<n
It is anticipated that based upon radiological surveillance
results other population groups
may need to be included.
(unknown at present)
These activities could require
$1 million which is above current budget availability.
Depending upon medical findings, the medical program in
FY 81 is expected to include persons living on Rongelap,
nad
Utirik and Likiep,
and Bikinians at their residence locations,
.
The greater than three-fold increase anticipated in the population under medical surveillance during FY 80 and FY 81
results in a special problem.
Woes
The ship which is presently