ENG-1958 — Page 155

PUBLIC HEALTH

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The estimated expenditure for the financial year 1958-9 was $43,427,300. To this should be added subventions totalling $11,451,900 to the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, the Hong Kong Anti-Tuberculosis Association, Mission to Lepers Hong Kong Auxiliary, and other similar organizations. The combined estimated expenditure of the Medical Department and the medical subven- tions represented approximately 8.47% of the Colony's total estimated expenditure of $648,121,710. Estimated capital expendi- ture for the Medical Department was $12,900,000.

During the year satisfactory arrangements were concluded, in conjunction with the University of Hong Kong and the Society of Apothecaries in London, for examinations leading to the Licen- tiateship in Medicine and Surgery of the Society of Apothecaries. Doctors holding qualifications granted by certain Medical Schools in China prior to 1950 were accepted for entry to the examinations which were held in the last quarter of the year. Forty three doctors passed in all parts of the examinations and a further forty four passed in one or more subjects. Further examinations are to be held during 1959 and again, if the situation warrants, during 1960.

GENERAL HEALTH

The basic health problems of the Colony continue to arise from the dense over-crowding of the population, the lack of adequate housing and the still prevailing shortage of water. These factors combine to foster the spread of communicable disease and militate against satisfactory application of the principles of hygiene. Ignorance and poverty play their part, but even where instruction is given and the will to live healthily exists, the people only too often lack the physical space and amenities to apply their knowl- edge adequately. Despite this, a surprisingly high level of general health and sanitation is maintained. No major epidemic of any disease occurred in 1958 although the incidence of certain diseases shows some rise and preventable diseases such as diphtheria and typhoid are disappointingly prevalent, despite determined efforts to bring them under control. There was continuing and urgent pressure on all the Government free and low-cost medical services, in spite of the establishment of a large number of privately organized charita- ble and welfare clinics. The major Government clinics all worked