ENG-1956 — Page 166

132

HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT

at Government institutions is now based on preparatory chemotherapy at out-patient clinics, brief intensive treatment in hospital, and prolonged follow-up treatment again at the out-patient clinics. The results of this form of treatment, forced upon Hong Kong by local circumstances, are gratify- ingly satisfactory. The Tuberculosis Specialist has just published a full analytical report on the method, which gives results only a little inferior to the more conventional forms of treatment.

The Anti-Tuberculosis Association has almost completed building a new 540 bed hospital for the treatment of better- class cases of tuberculosis on a payment basis.

Leprosy. There has been a considerable increase in the number of leprosy cases attending for treatment; 8 clinic sessions are now held weekly in the Urban Areas and 3 ses- sions monthly in the New Territories. 751 cases were dis- covered in 1956, of which nearly 40% were of the infectious variety. Much the same technique is used in the treatment of leprosy as for tuberculosis and for the same reasons, the majority of cases being treated as out-patients and not up- rooted from their homes and segregated. The increasing readiness with which new cases are coming forward volun- tarily for treatment reflects growing confidence amongst the people. Contact tracing and observation, particularly of children in infected households, produced good results. Steps to protect young children exposed to risk are under considera- tion. At present B. C. G. is being used, and in some cases prophylactic chemotherapy on a restricted and tentative basis.

A special almoner to assist in the difficult problem of the rehabilitation of cured leprosy patients was appointed in 1956.

An unofficial settlement of leprosy patients squatting in Sandy Bay at Pokfulam was cleared in July 1956 to allow completion in that area of a new convalescent hospital building for crippled children. Increased accommodation in