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9. RESEARCH.
A good deal of first class medical research has
There been done in Hong Kong, especially in recent years. has been the Nutrition Research Committee a combination of Government and University workers. They have published a preliminary report on Nutrition oedema and made a nutritional survey. Professors Gordon King and Ride have also just published a valuable paper on Pregnancy Toxaemia and pl deficiency, while Dr. (rs.) Fehily has published two recent papers of considerable importance
This research internationally on Infantile Peri-beri. should continue and be encouraged in every way possible.
The best way to do this would for the Colony to adopt the ideas erbodied in the Secretary of State's Scheme for Colonial Wedical Research of which no one here has seen a copy. Research should be a normal function of the teaching staff of the University. Here we have qualified staff with keenness and a scientific outlook and there is a wide field of problems to furnish material. What is wanted now is the machinery to provide all those facilities essential to the fullesh fruition of research activities undertaken either in or/behalf of the Colony, much of which would have wider significance and application.
to
It is difficult for me, after a brief visit, suggest directions for medical research in Hong Kong. Nevertheless, I feel that an examination of the social causes of disease in this Colony would amply repay study. It is apparent generally what diseases cause illness and
Eut a incapacity, and what broadly is their origin.
careful analysis of these diseases in relation to the particular source and origin of each would enable closer and more particular attention to be given to such originating factors. I am well aware of the general influence of standards of living on the population here but other factors come into the picture. The whole question is a highly intricate one and it is opportune that an authoritative all-round examination should be made and the results published. Many Committees have been appointed from time to time in Tong Kong to report on different aspects of social and economic welfare but I know of no Body being appointed to go into the question as a whole in the manner suggested. This research should take into account the movements of the Chinese population and their trend, having especially in mind the future development of the Colony and its immigrational capacity.
Research might also be carried out on the problem of rendering nightsoil innocuous from the disease propagation standpoint, with the object of providing a further supply of fertilizer for Chinese agriculturalists and abolishing the present dangerous practice of employing nightsoil not rendered innocuous. Some work on this has already been done and this should be continued.
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