CO129-618-1 Institute of Medical Research- proposed construction 21-4-1947 - 5-12-1947 — Page 25

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C. INVESTIGATIONAL.

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(1) Pathological Institute.

The Pathological Institute was built in the year 1905 when the population of the Colony served was about one quarter of the present figure. The activities of the Institute have long outgrown its restricted walls. In 1940, the fabrio was inspooted by the Public Works Department and found to be very seriously affected by white ants. A typhoon might have serious consequences on its weakened structure and lives may be lost and valuable appara- tus destroyed. Having considered the situation very carefully, we are of the opinion that it is most desirable that a new institute should be constructed as soon as possible at the Kowloon Medical Centre.

(2) Animal Houses.

The termite-eaten and antiquated animal houses at the existing Pathological Institute have to be seen to be believed. When it is realised that anti-smallpox vaccine lymph, anti-rabic vaccine and other biological substances are manufactured for hundreds of thousands of the inhabitants, it is obvious that, on grounds of safety alone, it is a matter of vital importance that conditions should obtain to prevent dangerous contamination, a most difficult matter to ensure at present. Prior to the commencement of the Pacific War, a site was selected in the Kowloon foothills for animal houses and this is still available.

D. LEASED TERRITORIES.

We feel that the recent appointment of a special Subcommittee to advise upon the requirements of the Leased Terri- tories renders it hardly necessary to make submissions as to the medical and public health needs of that territory.

In the hopes, however, that it may be of assistance to the Subcommittee concerned in their deliberations, we feel that it is desirable to urge consideration of the following neods :-

(a) Public Markets.

Public markets are needed at Taipo, Fanling (or Sheung Shui), Sai Kung, Un Long, San Wui, Cheung Chau and Tai 0. The existing markets are inadequate in size, inhygienic in type and generally unsatisfactory from the public health standpoint. Markets, if suitably designed on simple lines, are inexpensive to build and produce valuable revenue which might well serve to provide the desired fiscal autonomy of local sanitary committees or town boards which would foster a sense of civic responsibility, markedly defic- ient in the urban area.

(b) Public Slaughter Houses.

The system, or lack of system, by which pigs, goats, buffalo, etc., are killed on the open ground and sold without being hung or the carcasses inspected, is opposed to all principles of public health.

Public slaughter houses where animals can be killed with a humane killer and the flesh hung and passed as fit for con- sumption would not only be in the interests of public health, but would, also, provide yet another means of raising revenue for local sanitary committees or town boards in the places named in the section on "Markets".

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