HEALTH
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proper medical treatment. Measles vaccine has been made available free to the public since 1967 and is included in the immunisation programme. Campaigns were conducted twice in 1974 to combat the return of the biennial pattern. A special opinion survey was also undertaken to look into the possible factors of the non-acceptance of the vaccine in a sector of the population.
Influenza occurred sporadically during the year. The surveillance programme was continued on a year-round basis. Several outpatient clinics have been designated as influenza surveillance centres and these report regularly the number of influenza-like illnesses. The government virus unit continued to function as a World Health Organ- isation international influenza centre, and virological investigation of throat swabbings and throat washings were carried out routinely on samples taken from influenza-like illnesses.
Viral hepatitis was made statutorily notifiable since March 1974. Most cases were among adolescents and adults and a higher proportion was found among men. Steps were being taken to promote better and more complete reporting and investigation of the disease.
Other communicable diseases remain at a low level and do not constitute a major public health problem.
Port Health Service
The Port Health Service continued to fulfil its duties and responsibilities in preventing the introduction of quarantinable diseases into Hong Kong, the sanitary control of port and airport areas, and the provision of facilities as required by the International Health Regulations.
It provides facilities for vaccination and the issue of International Vaccination Certificates, and for inspection and deratting and the issue of International Deratting or Deratting Exemption Certificates to ships on international voyages. It also renders medical assistance to ships in the harbour and transmits free medical advice to ships at sea. A 24-hour quarantine service at sea and air and the granting of radio pratigue to ships from clean ports on request is maintained. A general survey of food and water sample on air caterers at Hong Kong International Airport was conducted during the year.
Family Health Service
In early 1973, a decision was made by the government to participate in the opera- tion of family planning clinics. The principle was that the provision of family planning facilities should be made part of the Medical and Health Department's normal health services. As from October 1973, the Medical and Health Department started a phased plan to incorporate those clinics previously operated by the Family Planning Associa- tion, in 30 government clinics and two hospitals. The whole plan calls for the integra- tion of family planning services into the already comprehensive maternal and child health programme. This includes ante-natal, post-natal, maternity services and health education for mothers as well as special infant and toddlers welfare sessions and preventive immunisation schedules for their children.