miltee, and its terms of reference were: "To keep under continuous review and to advise on the development and phased implementation of medical and health services in Hong Kong, having regard to all factors which would determine the progress of expansion-including financial, the rate of building construction, the availability of qualified staff, and the principles of subvention'. In addition, the Committee was given a remit to advise in what programmes of improvement and expansion would be appropriate over the next 10 years in the circum- stances of Hong Kong, and to produce a report to the Governor by 31st July, 1973.
Acknowledgements
33. The Department is responsible for administering services which provide medical and health care for the community of Hong Kong. It operates hospitals and clinics throughout both the urban and rural areas, maintains maternal and child health, school health, and port health services, and undertakes measures for the control of epidemic and endemic diseases. To do all this, a staff of 12,737 was needed in 1971. In 1972, the total grew to 13,264, of which 747 were medical officers of all grades, and 4,504 nurses.
34. I would like to place on record my sincere appreciation to the staff of all ranks for their help in dealing with the many problems which the Department has had to face every day in the year under review. In spite of the fact that they often had to work under the pressure of difficult circumstances, they all carried out their duties effectively, with a true sense of devotion and dedication. I am grateful to them all for their unfailing support throughout the year.
35. My nursing, dental and medical colleagues are the original authors of the chapters that follow. I gratefully acknowledge their help.
36. The Department received every assistance and co-operation from other government departments, voluntary agencies, the Press, and the radio and television networks. The patience shown by members of the public in spite of many unavoidable shortcomings is also deeply appreciated.
37. 1 also wish to thank the many public-spirited persons who devoted so much of their time in order to serve on statutory boards, advisory committees, working parties, and in voluntary agencies dealing with the many aspects of medical and health problems in Hong Kong.
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38. Finally, thanks are also due for the contributions of private in- dividuals, and local and overseas organizations who assisted the Department in providing facilities for those in need of subsidized medical care.
1st August, 1973,
G. FI. CHÚA
Director of Medical and Health Services.
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