C 17
11. The year has been marked by a general increase in patients at all the Dispensaries. Equipment has been improved and new instruments purchased. All the Dispensaries now have complete sets of tooth forceps: and sufferers from toothache are no longer forced to seek the services of itinerant dentists with their antiquated methods and septic instruments.
12. There have been no noteworthy extensions in building during 1932 in either the Tung Wah or the Kwong Wah Hospitals, though the need for such is more than ever pressing.
13. The Tung Wah Eastern Hospital, however, has now been fully completed. His Excellency, the Governor, opened in December six new wards, each capable of accommodating fourteen patients, and with all the necessary equipment.
14. These three large hospitals, all supported by Chinese residents in the Colony, and now managed by a single committee, receive an annual Government grant; and the salary of the Senior Chinese Medical Officer in each is paid by the Government.
15. Besides these, there are two Maternity Hospitals—the Tsan Yuk, a really model institution, and up-to-date in every particular, in the crowded Western area; and the Eastern, in Wanchai, which is very efficient and run with faultless aseptic methods.
16. Five of the nine Public Dispensaries are on the island of Hong Kong and four on the Kowloon side. They are maintained by contributions from the Chinese Community, assisted by a small Government grant.
17. An enormous and ever-increasing number of sick, too poor to pay for doctor's fees or buy proper medicines, are successfully reached. In the three big hospitals, the patient can choose between Western and Chinese methods of treatment; but here, in the Dispensaries, he is treated only by properly qualified Chinese Doctors, Western-trained and with the best drugs procurable, bought from the Government Central Medical Stores. Government Lady Doctors treat the gynaecological cases once a week, and in some of the dispensaries, twice a week.
18. Two of the Dispensaries are still housed in rooms attached to temples. Another, that at Aberdeen, consists of two rented shops temporarily adapted for the purpose. Gradually, entirely new and up-to-date buildings are taking the place of the older premises. New Dispensaries have been opened, during the year, in Yaumati and Kowloon City. The Dispensaries at Shaukiwan and Wanchai are also excellent buildings of their kind. The Western Dispensary has been completely renovated and much improved.