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63. There are now nine Chinese Public Dispensaries, five on the island of Hong Kong and four in Kowloon. The two original institutions have Chinese maternity hospitals adjacent to them, the Tsan Yuk Hospital and the Wanchai Maternity Hospital. The Government will take over the entire responsibility of the Tsan Yuk Hospital as from the 1st January, 1934.
64. 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 up-to-date buildings are taking the place of the temporary ones. The Dispensaries at Shaukiwan and Wanchai are excellent buildings of their kind, as are those on the Kowloon side at Yaumati and Kowloon City.
65. This year has been marked by a general increase of patients in the dispensaries. Equipment has been improved and new instruments purchased. Besides instruments for small minor operations, two of the institutions have their own microscopes. It is hoped that in the near future all will be provided with microscopes which are very necessary for diagnosing and differentiating the malaria cases which form such a large percentage of those attending.
66. Sick persons too serious for outpatient treatment were transported to hospitals by means of ambulances.
67. There has been a slight decrease in the patients at Aberdeen. This, however, can be only temporary; and is entirely due to local business conditions.
68. As mentioned before, once a week at each of the Dispensaries a gynaecological clinic is held by one of the Government Lady Medical Officers. In some there are two clinics a week.
69. 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, and as the means of spread of the value of Western drugs and methods both in prevention and cure. During the year, very good propaganda work was done by four street orators appointed by the Committee.
70. Last but not least, each dispensary has a room attached to it where dead bodies can be received for transport to the mortuaries preliminary to burial. Coffins are provided free. This does much to prevent the dumping of bodies on the street.