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HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND SANITARY SERVICES.-
Sir. With reference to the observations made by the honourable unofficial members in connexion with the Budget I have the honour to reply in so far as the Medical and Sanitary questions are concerned:
1.
The Government Civil Hospital.
The shortcomings of the Government Civil Hospital and the need for a new Institution have not been overlooked, but pressure of other urgent matters have prevented my examining in detail all the many important factors which have a bearing on the subject and which must be considered before a final decision can be made. The P.W.D. and the Medical Department are working in close co-operation and there is every reason to believe that final recom- mendations will shortly be submitted.
2. With regard to the Medical Staff at the Government Civil Hospital there are now two Resident Medical Officers, one European and one Chinese. In addition there is one Chinese Medical Officer who is not resident.
3. The Mental Hospital.
With regard to the Mental Hospital this Institution is intend- ed primarily as a place for temporary detention and observation and not as a permanent abode for the insane. Arrangements have been made with the Government of Canton for the reception and treatment of mental patients of Chinese nationality. European patients are sent to Europe at the earliest opportunity.
4. Chinese Probationer Nurses.
27 Chinese Probationer Nurses are now undergoing training at the Government Civil Hospital. A Nursing Sister who has knowledge of the Chinese language and experience in teaching Chinese nurses is at present in England undergoing a special course in order that she may fill the post of Tutor Sister. Provision has been made to add three more nurses to the establishment in 1930. It is proposed to further increase the number training when the Tutor Sister has returned and when house accommodation is available.
5. Travelling Dispensaries.
Travelling Dispensaries in the Federated Malay States fulfil a very useful purpose-and it is probable that one would be of value in the New Territory. This proposal will be considered by Govern- ment in connection with 1931 estimates.
6. Venereal Clinics.
A Venereal Clinic has been in existence at the Government Civil Hospital for more than a year. Experience has shown that
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