An interview survey on the medical care and daily life of 128 patients of 'intractable diseases' in Shimane Prefecture was carried out in 1977. Seventy-one (55.4%) of the patients regarded the medical care in various institutions as quite satisfactory. Ninety-three patients (72.7%) went to hospital as out-patients. Concerning the difficulties of their daily life,42.7% could lead an ordinary life, but more than half had some hindrance. Of the latter group only 15.6% were in-patients, and 84.4% were out-patients. Long-term medical care and more attentive guidance by expert physicians and public health nurses is urgently required for these out-patients.