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TRIP REPORT
Brookhaven National Laboratory ~ Marshall Islands Survey
May - June 1979
The second Brookhaven National Laboratory survey of the Marshall Islands
in calendar 1979 covered the period from early May through mid-June.
(Please
see Enclosure I for itinerary of participants).
This survey was unique in that we had been asked
to include physical
examinations for the people of Bikini - living on Majuro - in addition to the
regular study group.
The addition of the group greatly expanded the logistic
requirements of the survey.
We had originally planned for a pediatric survey,
Sick call and selected thyroid re-examinations of the exposed and the comparison populations.
The Bikini group received the complete workup designed
for the study group.
This workup required the assistance of two additional
physicians,
two technicians,
and one administrative assistant.
A new precedent had been established by the whole-body counting group
shortly before this survey of granting reimbursement to the Bikinians coming
from Edgit Island for the studies.
for transportation and meals,
Each of these patients was to receive $10
however,
apparently people other than Edgit
people received compensation and it finally became a standard procedure to
pay all patients $10 going through the whole-body counter.
An attempt was made
.
to integrate the whole-body counting visit with the
medical examinations but severe scheduling problems arose, requiring several
visits, and payments to many Bikinians.
by the medical examination team.
A total of 102 Bikinians were seen
Some of these patients required several
re-appointments to complete their examinations.
The mechanisms and guidelines
for the reimbursement of this group needs a careful reevaluation and a formal
Statement of limitations as soon as possible.
Pe SootKkdG