ENG-1953 — Page 129

SOCIAL SERVICES

for the payment of salaries to the staff involved. Capital expenditure on public health projects associated with the work of the division amounted to $1,191,623.45. This expenditure was incurred on such projects as the building of new markets, latrines and bathhouses, the improvement of cemetery facilities, and preparation for the construction of a modern abattoir.

Hospitals. Apart from the Medical department institutions there are a multiplicity of dispensaries and clinics operated by voluntary organizations and welfare and trade union groups.

As regards hospitals, 11 are operated by the Medical department and 14 by non-Government agencies. Of these latter, 5 receive financial assistance from Government. The total number of hospital beds in the Colony numbers 4,512, as set forth in Appendix XD.

Facilities in these institutions show considerable variation as some, such as the Government's Queen Mary Hospital and Kowloon Hospital, are institutions dealing with mainly acute cases whereas others, such as the Tung Wah Group of Hos- pitals, are to a great extent concerned with the care of more chronic cases. Nevertheless, it can be said that facilities in these hospitals are adequate to their particular function and that standards of treatment are high. In general, equipment is modern and a high standard of service is provided. The existing provision of hospital beds falls far below the needs of the Colony's present population and all medical services are subject to severe strain.

The beds in the dispensaries are maternity beds. These dispensaries provide general outpatient facilities and in addition ante-natal and other special services are provided.

Sanitary Organization. There was a major reorganization of the Health Inspectorate coupled with the introduction of a scheme for the intensive training of probationer recruits. The

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