157. In therapy, diamino-diphenyl-sulphone remained the drug of choice for most patients, but thiambutasone was used more with increas- ing success, cither by itself or with diamino-diphenyl-sulphone. Its usefulness has improved greatly since it became available in the inject- able form; results are far better and undesirable side effects are far lewer. The newer drugs are also used for some of those who do not respond favourably to the more routine therapy. Physiotherapy has become an essential part of the programme to prevent disability, and through this treatment programme many of the newer patients are able to return home earlier and without any disability.
HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR REHABILITATION KWUN TONG REHABILITATION CENTRE
158. This centre, aided by a recurrent grant from Government, accommodates eighty patients and has occupational workshops and facilities for physiotherapy and for the manufacture of prostheses. It is designed to assist in the quick return to employment of those who have been injured, particularly in industrial accidents.
NAM LONG HOSPITAL
159. The hospital maintained by the Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society was officially opened on 5th May, 1967. Its 3 blocks occupy a site at Brick Hill overlooking Aberdeen harbour. With a total accom- modation of 120 beds, it takes in cancer patients convalescing from major surgery or from radiotherapy and also those with advanced disease. Chemotherapy is also given to patients. Cases are referred by government or private hospitals or by medical practitioners and it is the policy of the hospital to admit only such cases. All poor patients receive free treatment, but for those who are able to pay a small fee is charged. Patients are provided with medical social service.
VI. DEVELOPMENT
(See table 701
FORWARD PLANNING
160. Reference has been made previously in this report to the unparalleled hospital development of the past 15 years. However, the population has also been increasing very rapidly and there is stili con- siderable pressure on most categories of bospital beds, particularly those
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for acute and chronic general and mental patients. The White Paper on Development of Medical Services in Hong Kong, which was tabled in Legislative Council in February 1964, outlined the medical problems of the Colony and made suggestions to remedy deficiencies in order to produce, in the face of a rapidly increasing population, a reasonably satisfactory standard of medical facilities. Developments have to take into account the ability of the community to afford these facilities either by direct payment or by indirect payment by means of taxation. The Working Party which prepared the White Paper was re-constituted by His Excellency the Governor as the Medical Development Plan Standing Committee. The Director of Medical and Health Services is its Chair- man and the Committee comprises two nominated members and representatives of the Medical and Health Department, the Finance and General Branches of the Colonial Secretariat, and, when necessary, the Public Works Department, The Committee has held 33 meetings since its inception, in order to keep the recommendations made in the White Paper under continuous administrative review and to report its conclusions on all major matters to Government through the Medical Advisory Board. The Committee's activities fall into five main cate- gories, namely, development of medical institutions; staffing of such institutions; subventions to Government-assisted institutions: fees and charges; and improved utilization of existing medical facilities.
161. The principal matters, with which the Committee continued to occupy themselves were: the alterations to and extensions of Queen Mary Hospital, the first two phases of which have been completed, two more to be completed at the end of 1968 and the fifth and last phase to be completed by early 1969 to provide ultimately a total of 1,080 beds; the progress made with the provision of a new 1,360 beds general hospital at Lai Chi Kok; the planning of a new convalescent block in the grounds of Kowloon Hospital; the adequacy of the present psychiatric services, a new mental hospital of approximately 1,000 beds being approved; the review of fees and charges at Government hospitals and clinics, a matter still under consideration at the end of the year. and the subventions paid to Government-assisted institutions.
162. Amongst new matters considered by the Committee were: a polyclinic including rehabilitation facilities at Kwai Chung South, a polyclinic for Kowloon East, a new kitchen, laundry, mortuary and minor staff quarters for the Pok Oi Hospital at Yuen Long, and an
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