16. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS.
1. Personnel.
The chief public health problem is the control of infectious disease with the Colony and the prevention of its entry from outside. Conditions peculiar to Hong Kong, such as the policy of not limiting immigration, render it specially vulnerable. Since re- entry three months ago there has been an absence of infectious disease within the Colony but this immunity is unlikely to continue. It is important that trained European supervisory staff should be available, especially during the period/resettlement. Col. Fehily has, however, no U.K. recruited Health officers at present and the question of meeting his needs in this respect is very urgent. Other technical staff is also deficient and he is badly handicapped by a serious shortage of high-grade clerical assistance. He also requires urgently a veterinary Officer.
2. Drugs, Medical Supplies and Equipment. None of the Young Working Party Units supplies are to hand nor are they expected to arrive for several months. A con- siderable stock of drugs has been recovered but many essential drugs and biologicals are lacking. Some of this deficiency is being met by supplies from the Services and further supplies have been requested from SACSEA. Nevertheless many routine requirements are not available. For example, Col. Fehily has ready an ample team of vacci- nators but at present they are idle because there is no vaccine lymph. A similar position exists in regard to equipment and textiles. Anything that can be done to hasten delivery of outstanding indents should be done and special priority given to any urgent requests from Col. Fehily for individual items.
3. Prevalent Diseases and Means of Control. The three predominant diseases in Hong Kong are malaria, pulmonary tuberculosis and venereal disease.
The malaria situation has been alarming but is now well in hand. It is anticipated that a nearly normal situation may be restored by the early spring although there will be considerable outbreaks of malaria in the interval. No meapcrin supplies, except those obtained from the Services, are available and this handicaps measures of control. The Malariologist has much work in hand and is being helped by the Service authorities. He requires to be relieved and it should be seen that his relief is on the way.
Pulmonary tuberculosis is always with the Chinese but is worse than ever at the present time. It is impossible to ascertain the amount but evidence shows that privation has brought about a large increase.
Other contributing
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