M (1) 30
REPORT OF SCHOOL MEDICAL OFFICER.
On 1st August Mrs. Minett, M.D., B.S., D.P.H., was appointed Medical Officer for Schools.
The last four months of the year were spent in making a rapid "health survey" of all children in the 18 Government Schools and in 13 of the Grant-in-aid Schools, Convents, or Homes.
Individual inspection was made of 4,063 children, as regards condition of eyes, teeth, throat and obvious deformities or disabilities. The heart and lungs were not examined except in a few special cases.
The defects found, 436, or roughly 10%, were largely those of vision; about one fourth of the number had enlarged tonsils or unhealthy mouths and only two cases of unclean heads were found.
Among the smaller children there is need for conservative dentistry.
Arrangements were made by the Education Department whereby children in Government Anglo-Chinese Schools have their eyes examined (refraction test) by Dr. Morrison. Spectacles are provided, where necessary, to Dr. Morrison's prescription by Messrs. Lazarus, at Government expense.
Cases of minor ailments, scabies, ear discharge, deformities, &c., have been advised or treated at the Government Civil Hospital or at the Chinese Public Dispensaries.
The teaching of hygiene has not been systematic, nor in some cases well suited to junior classes, and improvements in this direction are being considered. A short course of lectures on 'Hygiene for Schools and Scholars' is being arranged for the Senior Class (soon to be qualified teachers) of the Vernacular Normal School for Women.
Many schools have no playground, and very little space where physical exercises can be carried out: these are much needed, both for healthy development of boys and girls, and as an alternative to close eye work in classrooms.
The number of short-sighted pupils is very large. It is to be hoped some improvement may take place in this direction.
E. M. MINETT,
20th May, 1926.
M.O Schools.
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