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HEALTH
Training in dentistry is now available in the Prince Philip Dental Hospital which was officially opened by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh in March 1981. The initial intake of 76 students started training in September 1980 and are expected to graduate by 1985.
The Government Dental Service provides dental care for all monthly-paid government servants and their dependants as well as simple dental treatment for the inmates of penal institutions and specialist treatment for patients in government hospitals. Emergency treatment is also provided for the public in a number of clinics while the Prince Philip Dental Hospital has also provided a limited 'walk-in' service to the public since October 1981.
Port Health
The Port Health Office enforces health control at Hong Kong International Airport and in the territory's waters, to prevent the introduction of quarantinable diseases and to carry out other health measures required under the International Health Regulations. Health staff regularly check the food and water supply of the flight kitchen service at the airport to ensure that they are clean and safe.
The office provides facilities for vaccination and for issuing international vaccination certifications.
It inspects and supervises the eradication of rats on vessels and disinfects-Vietnamese refugee boats at Western quarantine anchorage.
Despite the strain placed on the service since 1979 by the inflow of refugees from Vietnam, Hong Kong remains free of all major quarantinable diseases.
Epidemiological information is exchanged regularly with the World Health Organisation in Geneva and its Western Pacific Regional Office in Manila, and with neighbouring countries.
Refugees
In 1981 the influx of Vietnamese refugees continued, albeit at a slower rate, and the strain it imposed on the medical and health resources remained severe. In order to prevent the importation of quarantinable diseases and the spread of communicable diseases among the refugees and to the general population, strict quarantine measures were imposed and vigorous immunisation campaigns and health education programmes were conducted in all refugee camps. Health screening, including chest X-ray examinations was carried out for new arrivals.
Voluntary agencies continued to co-operate in the running of clinics in the refugee centres for the care of minor ailments while serious cases were referred to government hospitals for treatment. The health status of the refugees has improved significantly during their stay in Hong Kong due to the combined efforts of the government and voluntary organisations.
Special Services
The Institute of Pathology runs clinical pathology and public health laboratory services for the government and a consultant services for the government-assisted sector. It also administers mortuaries and blood banks. Some vaccines are produced at the Institute of Immunology. Various virus studies on hepatitis, poliomyelities, influenza and rubella are undertaken. The Forensic Pathology Service with its newly established forensic laboratory works closely with the Royal Hong Kong Police Force on the medical aspects of criminology and other medico-legal work.