CO129-472 - Others - 1921 — Page 444

"ONFIDENTIAL

441

4. SINGAPORE

Medical Practitioners & Hospitals (contd.}

of the town venereal disease out-patient clinics would therefore necessarily have to be more central. The Women's Hospital la more accessible and could be adapted for the giving of modern venereal disease treatment.

Facilities for Free Diagnosis and Treatment.

During the early days of our visit we found a good deal of mistrust existed on the part of the medical profession and Government authorities, but fortunately this was overcome at the medical con- ferences and at various interviews with the authorities concerned. We were assured of the individual support of all whom we consulted for the policy of free diagnosis and treatment.

Members of the Legislative Council had been called together by the Acting Governor. We laid before them the case in favour of free diagnosis and treatment, and were assured that the proposal would receive their favourable consideration. Subsequent to the meeting the Colonial Secretary, the Acting Attorney General, and the unofficial members stated that the matter would be brought formally before the Legislative Council before the end of the financial year in order that provision could be made in the next Budget for the cost of the facilities suggested. We were advised that under the public health laws no fresh legislation is needed to enable arrangements for free treatment to be made; all that is required is authorisation for the increase of the public health

estimates.

During our visit the Principal Civil Medical Officer went carefully through the Medical Commissioner achemes for establishing free clinics at four of the existing Eospitals, in addition to an international Seafarers Clinic and an auxiliary treatment centre near the Docks.

It is his intention to add a Specialist Venereal Disease Officer to the Colonial Medical Staff.

The Principal Civil Medical Officer carefully considered the question of public enlightenment with the Education Commissioner; agreed that an organisation recognised by the Health Department should be establish- ed to undertake educational propaganda, and has retained a complete set of Ministry of Health publications and the National Council publications for his future guidance.

It is the intention of the Principal Civil Medical officer to collaborate closely with the Principal Medical officer of the Federated Malay States in devio- ing a general scheme for dealing with Venereal Diseases.

The existing conditions as to diagnosis were very unsatisfactory. Free diagnosis was given to specimens sent in from the Government Hospital, but in all other cases 25 to 50 dollars a specimen was charged.