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Kam Tin and the other at Fanling. A resident trained nurse-midwife was placed in charge of each. A definite itinerary was worked out and each Sunday seven villages were visited in order. The Government Medical Officer cooperated with the Brigade all through.
467. The Medical Benevolent Society, a board of philanthropic doctors, arranged for a medical man to visit the territories three times a week for the purpose of offering free advice and medicines to the villagers. This society has done excellent work.
468. The efforts of these two altruistic bodies have proved beyond doubt that a considerable amount of disease is prevalent in the New Territories and that the villagers are only too willing to accept the benefits of Western medicine.
469. The staff of the Malaria Bureau did a considerable amount of investigation in the New Territories, making mosquito surveys, taking spleen census and making blood examinations for the presence of parasites. The reception given to the members of the staff demonstrates that there is no opposition to scientific investigation, provided the people understand the objects aimed at and are treated with ordinary tact and civility. Almost invariably they showed themselves interested in the proceedings and offered their cooperation.
470. The Medical Officer paid frequent visits to the various Police Stations. During the year there were 148 cases of Malaria as compared with 258 cases in 1930.
471. The attendances at Taipo Dispensary were 6,400 as compared with 6,726 for the previous year. The numbers for Un Long Dispensary were 4,261 as against 5,012 for 1930.
472. In the latter part of the year Government having sanctioned the purchase of a Motor Travelling Dispensary, the chassis was ordered from England. At the end of the year the vehicle had not been handed over to the Medical Department.
473. The Dispensary Launch, provision for which had appeared in the 1930 Estimates but which owing to the slump was not built, was not included in the 1931 Estimates and was not approved for 1932 Estimates.
474. During the year the Chinese Medical Officer paid 80 inspection visits to Police Stations and 71 visits to attend midwifery cases, emergencies and calls by Government servants.
A. R. WELLINGTON,
D.M.S.S.
25th April, 1932.