M 169
Opium Addicts:-Towards the end of the year 1932 the D.M.S.S. requested that some steps be taken to treat a certain number of cases as free inpatients. Six beds in the wards of the Medical Unit were set aside for this purpose.
It has been found very difficult to persuade addicts to come into Hospital for any length of time and up to the end of 1932 only 9 cases had been treated.
In nearly all the method adopted was that of immediate deprivation of opium or derivatives in any form. For a few this treatment appeared too trying as they requested to leave hospital and no methods of persuasion could alter the situation.
Hundreds of addicts have attended the Out-patient Department of the Medical Unit but treatment under such circumstances is useless; it was not encouraged.
Sick Children's Clinic.
This clinic is very largely attended and it is to be greatly deplored that there is practically no suitable provision for the accommodation of sick children. This is a pity because the cases dealt with respond well to proper inpatient treatment and it is very obvious from the ever-increasing numbers of parents who bring their sick children to the Outpatient Department of the Medical Unit how popular and how appreciated is the treatment and advice given. Dr. T. Y. Li has been untiring in his efforts to deal with the increasing numbers.
It would appear that the number of cases suffering from improper feeding and under-feeding is unfortunately increasing.
During the year 1932 an electro-cardiograph was installed in the Medical Unit.
I am greatly indebted to Dr. Newton, former M.O. i/c., and to his successor, Dr. Dovey, for all help in the smooth running of the Medical Unit.
Many thanks are particularly due to Mr. Branson, Chief Government Analyst, who carries out ungrudgingly any special blood urea tests required. An additional analysis of O.P.D. cases is attached.
I have also to thank Dr. Valentine, the acting D.D.M.S.S. of 1932, for his kind help and interest in the Medical Unit.