-3-
SINGAPORE
CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE (continued).
440
CONFIDENTIAL
The success obtained in Hong Kong was of assistance here. The President had heard of the Hong Kong meeting. Fortunately I was able to supply him with the full accounts from the Hong Kong Chinese proas. These he arranged to use as the basis for iccal propaganda in the Chinese press. A meeting of the whole Chamber was convened by him for Monday, the 24th.
PUBLIC HEALTH.
Medical Practitioners and Hospitals.
The Medical Commissioner, after an opening conference with the members of the local medical profession, gave a series of lectures and practical demonstrations on the modern treatment of Veneral Disease. These were attended, throughout the course, not only by the local practitioners but also by others who had travelled long distances for the purpose about 80 attended, a far larger number than had been anticipated. Many of these practitioners are highly proficient in this branch of medical treatment, as Venereal Disease forme a large proportion of their practice.
-
The Medical Commissioner was invited to address the members of the Malaya Branch of the British Medical Association. The meeting was attended by about 70 members. The principle of free diagnosis and treat- ment was agreed to without dissent, and a resolution was passed in favour of an enquiry being held concerning the best methods of dealing with the local prostitution.
A Malaya Branch of the S.P.V. D. had been established some months previously. Dr. Rattray, a President of the Medical Association, acted as President. We met and discussed the general position as soon as possible after our arrival. It became clear the local S.P.V.D. were mainly anxious that the problem should be taken in hand by the authorities. The elements of difference in policy so apparent at home were not acute under Eastern conditions. Self disinfection for the illiterate was recognised by the S.P.V.D. as quite impracticable. When the National Council policy was clearly defined, Dr. Rattray and other members of the Society agreed to support the Commission, and it was clear that some time must pass before the ground could be covered in which all were agreed so the S.P.V.D. joined the S. & F.M.S. Council when pressed, and Dr. Rattray accepted office.
The local Government Hospitals were visited; these are fairly well equipped and staffed. A very con- siderable number of the patients are syphilitic, and intravenous injections are given for the treatment, but there is no systematic course. The patients usually insist on leaving the Hospital as soon as they are recovered sufficiently to earn a living. No out- patient treatment is given at any of the Hospitals. There is little treatment of Gonorrhoea in men, and practically none in women. The two principal Hospitals are situated a considerable distance from the centre