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56. In 1905 two depots were established, the Western and the Eastern. In immediate charge of each depot was a Chinese doctor qualified in Western medicine who was assisted by an English-speaking clerk.
57. In 1909 the Government gave the movement public support and encouragement and the Committee became the Chinese Public Dispensaries Committee under the Chairmanship of the Registrar-General, now the Secretary for Chinese Affairs.
58. It was declared at the time that the work of the depots or dispensaries was not hospital work and that the Chinese doctors employed were simply to diagnose disease and not to treat it. However, treatment centres were needed, and treatment commenced in a small way, gradually developed until now the principal function of the dispensaries is medical relief. But in addition to the ordinary work of the clinic and dispensary, these institutions serve as depots where the poor may apply for assistance in matters connected with:
(a) The removal of patient 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.
59. There are now nine Chinese Public Dispensaries, five on the Island of Hong Kong and four in Kowloon. The Tsan Yuk Maternity Hospital, which was formerly administered by the Committee of the Chinese Western Dispensary, was handed over to Government as a gift on January 1st, 1934.
60. One of the Dispensaries is housed in rooms attached to a temple. Another, 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, Kowloon City, and Shamshuipo.
61. This latter is housed in a new building which was opened on 26th October, 1936. Designed on modern lines, it affords ample accommodation for the large clientele which attends daily.