X1000307-1956-57_Part01 — Page 6

Statistical information in this report

refers to the calendar year 1956.

I. THE COLONY'S HEALTH SERVICES

Government Supervision of the Public Health. RESPONSIBILITY for the administration of the services safe- guarding the public health in Hong Kong is shared mainly between the Department of Medical and Health Services, the Urban Services Department, the New Territories Administra- tion and the Labour Department, while the Education Depart- ment and Social Welfare Office also have some interest in certain aspects of health and, to some extent, both the Police and Prisons Departments, particularly in regard to drug addition. The Department of Medical and Health Services is responsible for the outlining of medical and health policies, vital statistics and morbidity returns, administering the Government hospitals, out-patient clinics, investigative laboratories (pathological and chemical), vaccine production, the control of dangerous drugs and such matters as the study and control of communicable diseases, mental diseases, maternal and child health, school hygiene and the health of school children, malaria control, measures to combat social diseases, port health control and inter- national health matters, and the education in general of the public in health practices. The Urban Services Department is concerned with public amenities, sanitation and domestic cleanliness, the safety and quality of food locally produced and imported, (in which matter the Director of Agriculture. Fisheries and Forestry is also concerned together with his Veterinary staff) its handling, preparation and sale for public consumption, disposal of the dead, pest control and environ- mental factors affecting health. The District Commissioner, New Territories, is statutorily responsible for the public health of the New Territories and is advised by officers of the Depart- ment of Medical and Health Services. During the year plans to develop rural committees in the New Territories to control certain sanitary activities amongst other functions, have been further developed and implemented in certain districts with a view to interesting the local population in administering their own affairs. The Commissioner of Labour is responsible for the health of industrial workers and hygiene of factories and

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