Final answer:
The statement that reformers believe the government should protect the public's health is true. In the nineteenth century, significant reforms including the Public Health Act of 1948 were established to improve sanitation and public health, despite initial opposition from some interest groups. These efforts are vital for reducing illness spillovers and contributing to the well-being of the public.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reformers do believe that the government should protect the public's health, so the statement is true. In the nineteenth century, governments and reformers attempted to prevent the spread of disease in industrial cities through various measures.
Despite backlash from counter-reformers, such as wealthy landlords and water company representatives, significant reforms like the Public Health Act of 1948 were implemented.
These reforms aimed at improving public health included teaching hygienic practices to mothers, encouraging less smoking, funding public sanitation systems and storm sewers, and requiring immunizations.
Such efforts are economically justified because they reduce the spillover of illnesses, providing positive externalities and contributing to public goods.
Furthermore, many medical discoveries were made possible through government or university-funded research, with patents providing incentives for private innovation.