X1000307-1951-52_Part02 — Page 17

TYPE

1960

1961

Of the 5, 2 were pharmacists holding qualifications not recognized by the Hong Kong Government, who had been directed by the Pharmacy Board for examination in forensic pharmacy only.

Wholesale Dealers' Licences Listed Sellers' Licences

Registration of Pharmacists

Registration of Premises

Premises visited

287

424

197

218

44

45

16

356

328

442. In addition to the above licences, 241 penicillin permits were issued during the year.

443. It was not possible during 1951 to carry out as many inspections of premises as was desirable. With the issue of new penicillin permits during the year, it is estimated that no less than 500 visits would have been a satisfactory minimum. While the Chief Pharmacist was out of the Colony, the only pharmacist normally available for routine visits of inspection was in the acting post. During this period offences involving poisons and antibiotics became numerous. Mention should be made of the excellent cooperation from the Director of Criminal Investigation and his staff in the control of poisons, and more particularly, the antibiotics. 42 cases were prosecuted under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance and the Penicillin Ordinance.

444. During the year dangerous drugs resulting from 2,389 seizures by police and revenue officers were received. With the exception of the relatively small number of items suitable for conversion to medicinal preparations, these were destroyed by dumping at sea.

Chemists and Druggists Classes.

445. Final examinations were held twice during the year. A total of 5 students presented themselves for examination. 1 passed, and one was referred for re-examination in 1 subject.

148

ALMONER

446. The year 1951-1952 was a difficult one for the almoner's department. Increasing unemployment and a rising cost of living made greater demands on the social service work of the department, and at the same time the staff were widely made use of by the medical staff inside the hospitals, by those at clinics as well as by patients in the community. It was unfortunate that at the same time the department was understaffed the whole year, there being three almoners absent for a large part of the time.

Medical-Social Work.

447. Assistance has been given to patients in the following

ware:

(a) Artificial Limbs and other Surgical Appliances:

The supplying of hearing aids, surgical boots, walking calipers, a hernia support, and dentures, to the patients who could not afford to meet the expenses themselves.

(b) Repatriation:

The number of Chinese patients who could be repatriated was smaller this year than formerly, because of political reasons. Four European mental cases were sent back to England and two elderly European ladies evacuated to Hong Kong from Amoy,

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