Government House, Hongkong, 29th November, 1907.
My Lord,
A question arose in the early part of the year as to whether the Medical Staff and their wives and families were entitled to free hospital treatment. The custom had hitherto been to extend this privilege to them.
It was ruled that Medical Officers in the employment of the Colonial Government should be allowed free treatment when treated in Hospital, but that this privilege should not be extended to their wives and families.
2. A further question has now arisen, viz: whether the subordinate hospital staff, who have hitherto also been treated free in Hospital together with their wives and families should continue to enjoy this privilege and since the question is one which permanently affects the contingent emoluments of a branch of the Civil Service, I have the honour to request Your Lordship's decision upon it.
3. Dr. Dugard has averred the fact that in many cases hospital treatment includes not only the result of their work, but also advice to their brother practitioners free of charge. I would not extend the privilege to a case that might be considered as falling under the professional etiquette by which medical men usually act.
But the medical officers free treatment, as it has been granted, clearly is a result of their work.
RIGHT HONOURABLE
THE EARL OF ELGIN, K.G., &c.
&c.
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