ENG-1965 — Page 137

HEALTH

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government hospitals. A total of 2,230 patients were admitted to hospital for treatment during the year. Among patients who accept admission for treatment the level of co-operation is excellent and there are very few discharges against medical advice.

The Government Tuberculosis Service operates full-time and part-time clinics in all areas where the distribution of the popula- tion warrants such activities. All diagnosis and treatment is free. There are five full-time chest clinics equipped with radiological facilities and treatment is available at these and at 16 subsidiary centres. Treatment sessions are held in the evenings at the five main centres for patients who cannot attend during the day. Medical social workers attached to the Tuberculosis Service maintain social histories and operate a tuberculosis assistance fund for those in need of financial or material aid while under treatment. Tuber- culosis workers undertake home visiting, health education, clinic duties and contact tracing. They also investigate the circumstances of those defaulting from treatment.

During the year a total of 24,111 patients received continuous anti-tuberculous chemotherapy on an ambulatory basis at govern- ment clinics. Of these, 1,266 were on reserve anti-tuberculous drugs. A total of 1,224,557 attendances were recorded. Case finding by means of X-ray surveys is carried out by the government. There is an annual X-ray survey of all government servants and free surveys are carried out, on request, in schools and in industrial or com- mercial concerns. Certain conditions regarding sick leave and re-employment of proved cases are required of employers who wish to avail themselves of the survey facilities.

Most of the hospital treatment for cases referred from the Govern- ment Tuberculosis Service is undertaken in the non-profit-making Grantham Hospital operated by the Hong Kong Anti-Tuberculosis Association. The hospital has 613 beds, 576 of which are maintained by the government on a daily fee-paying basis.

At the Ruttonjee Sanatorium and Freni Memorial Convalescent Home, with a total of 360 beds, some patients are admitted direct while others are admitted through the Government Tuberculosis Service. Treatment in these hospitals is free. Many beds are main- tained by organizations in Hong Kong and patients sponsored for these beds have a certain priority of admission. Both are staffed