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362. The Chinese Public Dispensaries, nine in number, were established for the purpose of supplying medical advice and treatment on Western lines. Situated in the most thickly populated districts they fulfil a most useful purpose, not only in the treatment of disease but also as foci for the spread of knowledge concerning the cause of disease, the means of spread and the value of Western drugs and methods both in prevention and cure.
363. Each Dispensary is controlled by a separate Committee of Chinese gentlemen who work in close touch with the Secretary for Chinese Affairs. Responsible to the Committee and in direct charge of the Dispensary is a Chinese Medical Practitioner qualified in Western medicine. He is assisted by an English-speaking Chinese clerk and there is a staff of dressers and coolies.
364. In addition to the ordinary work of the polyclinic and dispensary these institutions serve as depots where the poor may apply for assistance in matters connected with:—
(a) The removal of patients to hospital.
(b) Certification as to the cause of death.
(c) Removal of corpses to mortuaries.
(d) Supply of coffins and arrangements for burial.
(e) The registration of births.
(f) Vaccination.
Visiting Medical Officers for Chinese Hospitals and Dispensaries.
365. Both Hospital and Dispensaries are subsidised by Government and are subject to inspection by the Government Medical Department. There are four officers of the Department whose duty it is to visit the various institutions and to give advice and assistance. These officers work in close touch with the Secretary for Chinese Affairs.
366. The year has been marked by a general increase in buildings, accommodation, equipment, and in the number of patients treated. There has been progress all round.
367. In the Tung Wah Hospital private wards and second-class wards, and wards for 39 Tuberculosis cases, have been opened, as well as new Nurses’ Quarters with Lecture Room and Dining Room.
368. At the Kwong Wah Hospital a new modern building with 32 beds was opened on the 30th December by H.E. the Governor. A new Operating Theatre, complete with every modern appliance, will soon be ready to supplement the present one.