Tuberculosis treatment pioneer credited with saving thousands of lives dies at 97

Published on Tuesday 3 November 2009 21:09

SIR John Crofton – the medical pioneer whose work on tuberculosis is credited with saving many thousands of lives – has died, aged 97.

Sir John, who was based in Edinburgh, developed the first cure for TB in the 1950s.

He also carried out vital work in tobacco control, before more recently turning his attention to the problems caused by alcohol.

Yesterday, leading medical figures expressed their sadness at the death of the doctor.

Professor Sir Neil Douglas, president of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh and professor of respiratory medicine at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, said: "The college was greatly saddened by the death of Sir John Crofton. Sir John was one of the pre-eminent physicians of the 20th century.

"In addition to having been a past president of this college, Sir John was an internationally-renowned respiratory physician who was best known for developing combined drug treatment in the 1950s which virtually eradicated TB at that time.

"He was also a leading international figure in tobacco control. The work of Sir John and his colleagues has saved many, many thousands of lives worldwide."

The professor said Sir John worked tirelessly throughout his life and he was still active until very recently.

He added: "Remarkably, his sharpness of mind did not diminish with age. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time and he will be greatly missed."

Last year, Sir John spoke to The Scotsman of his concerns about Scotland's drinking culture and the "misery" and "horrors" it caused.

He pledged his support for plans to set a minimum price for alcohol to reduce the damage it causes.