X1000306-1959-60_Part02 — Page 3

Lectures are also given by the Assistant Chemist at the Police Training School on the handling of exhibits and on narcotics,

GOVERNMENT CHEMIST'S LABORATORY

376. This Laboratory carries out a wide range of analytical and consultant work for Goverment, for the Armed Services and for commercial and industrial concerns. The Government Chemist, four Chemists, one Scientific Officer. four Assistant Chemists and Bio- Chemists and nineteen other staff maintain the work of the Laboratory.

377. The total number of analyses carried out during the year was 42.086 which is an increase of 13% over the 1958 total. Of the samples analysed, 18,708 were bio-chemical analyses of blood carried out for hospitals and private practitioners. The next largest group of analyses was in connexion with 12.453 seizures of narcotics, mostly heroin, scul in for examination and certification.

378. The chemical examination of public water supplics is carried out as a routine, as is the analysis of samples of food and drugs for adulteration. Work for the Police, in addition to that done on narcotics, includes the investigation of poisoning and examinations in connexion with acid-throwing, arson, counterfciting, drunken driving, robbing. and the unlawful possession of poisons and dangerous goods. Homicide by poisoning is rare in Hong Kong but suicide by poisoning is common. Organophosphorous insecticides. now placed under much stricter control, were most commonly used, followed in frequency by barbitu- rates. cyanide and lysol.

379. Work in connexion with dutiable commodities was carried out for the Department of Commerce and Industry and 6,409 samples of liquor, tobacco, fine gold and hydrocarbon oils were analysed. For the Government Stores and for certain commercial firms the checking of standards of a wide variety of commodities was undertaken. In the industrial health field, investigations were carried out in connexion with air pollution in work places due to sulphur dioxide, silica dust, lead and zinc fumes and industrial solvents.

380. An interesting aspect of the year's work was the checking of standards of locally made-up pharmaceuticals exported to neighbouring countries as part of the U.S. foreign aid programme. All such exports must be supported by a certificate to show that the standards of the U.S. Pharmacopoeia have been met.

**

381. The categories of analysis undertaken during the year were:

Water & waterworks chemicals

Food and Drugs

Forensic

Toxicology

Commercial

Miscellaneous

Dangerous Drugs and Dutiable Commodities Ordinances Importation/Exportation (Prohibition) (Specified Anicles)

Order Bio-Chemical

THE PHARMACEUTICAL SERVICE

782

431

290

598

623

1,183

18,862

Q

18.708

382. This branch, in charge of the Chief Pharmacist, has its head- quarters at the Central Medical Store at North Point on Hong Kong Island. Next to the Government Unallocated Stores. it is the main supply depot for pharmaceuticals, medical and surgical equipment and supplies and medical gases. There is a branch Medical Store in Kowloon which is the distribution centre for that side of the harbour. including the New Territories.

383. Manufacturing units for the supply of pharmaceuticals in bulk, usually in concentrated form, are maintained at both North Point and Kowloon. Parenteral fluids are also manufactured in bulk at North Point and the Queen Mary Hospital. During the year 104.325 litres of parenteral Auids were manufactured and distributed to Government institutions. In addition, 106,362 sterile preparations were prepared which included a wide range of injections, burn dressings, bone wax. eye preparations and other items in general use at hospitals, clinics and dispensaries.

384. The Chief Pharmacist, who is a member of the Pharmacy Board, has important responsibilities in connexion with the enforcement of the Ordinances dealing with Dangerous Drugs. Pharmacy and Poisons and Penicillin. He has a staff of qualified pharmacists of whom two are occupied full time on inspectorial duties. The inspection of premises both manufacturing and retail and of records is carried out regularly. Table 37 sets out the work done in this field.

TABLE 37

Wholesale Poisons Licences issued Authorized Sellers Licences issued

rose 1950

344

340

29

32

251

282

209

203

Licences for movements of Dangerous Drugs

233

309

Premises inspected

988 [,104

Prosecutions ipitiated

1

Listed Sellers Licences (Part If Paisons only) Antibiotic Permits issued

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