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Mr. THOMSON-The doctors seem to come and go as they like from what I have seen of the place.
Mr. WHITEHEAD-To go back to the speech of the Governor when the Hospital was opened, he said very clearly that the destitute would have the right to be admitted to the Hospital, and that the Committee had undertaken the care and responsibility of giving shelter to those who applied for admission without charge. Who has the deciding of the refusal to admit any destitute applicant?-That is what I cannot under- stand. Sometimes they call a Chinese doctor and sometimes they do not. There does not seem to be any system in the place whatever.
And that is your experience after repeated calls at the Tung Wa Hospital?-Yes.
Have you made any recommendations or suggestions on this point in the minute. book of the Hospital or otherwise?—The whole question was referred to at the monthly meetings with the staff. I wanted to have a list of the staff-all those on duty, and I have stated that there was not enough of attendants.
In
Mr. WHITEHEAD-And no improvement has been apparent ?--Practically none. the receiving ward they have engaged an extra man; that is the only alteration made in the wards.
In the receiving ward do the medical attendants appear who are in charge?——- There is a Chinese attendant, not a doctor. I think he is more akin to a boy, such as we have at the Civil Hospital. I thought it was too much for one attendant, and they appointed two.
Does it rest with him to admit or refuse ?-There is a man who sits in a chair at the gate. I do not know his position. During the day-time a doctor is called to see the applicant, but during the night-time I do not think he does, from what I have been informed.
Have you any idea how similar matters are dealt with in Mauritius? There is a large population there ?-I have no knowledge of Mauritius.
Dr. Ho KAI-How do they do in India? Surely there are towns and places in India somewhat analogous to Hongkong with regard to native population ?—I do not think they have any native hospitals.
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Mr. WHITEHEAD-So far as my experience of several years' residence in India goes, I think there is nothing except hospitals under European supervision. They are all, I believe, superintended by Europeans. There are no similar institutions to the Tung Wa in India so far as I know.
WITNESS-I do not think there is an Institution like the Tung Wa Hospital in any other British Colony.
The Commission adjourned till Friday, 13th March, at 2.30 p.m.