Annual report / Medical Department, Fiji.

  • Fiji. Medical Department.
Date:
[1956]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Annual report / Medical Department, Fiji. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    11/66 (page 3)
    COLONIAL DEVELOPMENT AND WELFARE PROJECTS 8. Suva Medical Centre—The new Central Medical School and Central Nursing School buildings were occupied in 1954 and 1955 respectively. More information is given later in this report and in Appendices XI and XII. Major alterations to the former Medical School building in the grounds of the Colonial War Memorial Hospital were commenced during the year. On completion of these alterations, the Dental Division will have a most adequate department, not only for treatment of patients, but also for clinical instructions to the students undertaking the Assistant Dental Practitioners’ and Dental Nurses’ Courses. During the year reconsideration was given to the plans for future hospital development throughout the Colony. In view of this, it was decided not to proceed at present with the con¬ struction of the Out-patient Department foreshadowed in last year’s report. 9. Tuberculosis Survey—United Kingdom Colonial Development and Welfare Funds were available during the period 1949 to 1953. Since the latter date, Colony funds have been used for continuation of this work. A review is contained in Appendix III. 10. Central Medical Research Library—The Central Medical Research Library, instituted by a Colonial Development and Welfare grant in 1949, was continued by Colony funds. The library continued to serve its useful and popular function for the medical officers and students. The library was housed in the Central Medical School during the year. 11. Filariasis Research—Mr. C. B. Symes, O.B.E., Entomologist from Her Majesty’s Over¬ seas Research Service, completed his tour of duty in December, 1956. The investigation into filariasis and mosquito control will be continued by Mr. G. F. Burnett, Entomologist. The pos¬ sibility of the addition of a Parasitologist to the staff of the research unit is being explored. Mr. Symes’ report of his investigations is being published by Her Majesty’s Overseas Research Service. INTERNATIONAL AGENCIES 12. Dr*. M. G. Candau, Director-General, World Health Organization and Dr. I. C. Fang, Regional Director, visited Fiji for three days while on their way to New Zealand and Australia. 13. World Health Organization Fellowships—Dr. H. E. Knowles, returned to the Colony during the year and was appointed Radiologist. Mr. R. I. Cohen, with his Fellowship in Thoracic Surgery, visited various Clinics and Hospitals in the United Kingdom and United States of America. Dr. W. L. Verrier utilized his Fellowship in the United Kingdom to further his knowledge of Statistical Methods. x\ Course in Village Sanitation and Public Health measures under the auspices of World Health Organization was attended with benefit by two Assistant Medical Practitioners in Western Samoa. 14. Yaws Control—World Health Organization and United Nations Children’s Fund—A Colony-wide Yaws Control Programme which was commenced in December 1954, with the assist¬ ance of the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children’s Fund, was continued. In view of the endemicity of yaws amongst Fijians, it was considered advantageous for the entire Fijian population to receive treatment with Penicillin Aluminium Mono-stearate. During the year local teams consisting of an Assistant Medical Practitioner and a Nurse reviewed the patients previously treated, and gave further treatment where necessary. A final review and assessment of results will be made by the Senior Medical Officer, who is in charge, and the World Health Orga¬ nization visiting staff. 15. Central Medical School—In 1954 World Health Organization agreed to provide two lecturers to teach Biology, Biochemistry and Physiology at the Central Medical School for a period of two years. During the year the Lecturer in Physiology resigned and the position was vacant for the greater part of the academic year. World Health Organization agreed to extend this agreement for the provision of two lecturers for a further period of two years. 16. South Pacific Commission—The close liaison with the South Pacific Commission continued. DEPARTMENTAL RESEARCH 17. Yaws—The Yaws Control Project has already been mentioned. 18. Filariasis—In addition to the investigation into control initiated by Mr. C. B. Symes, the Filariasis and Mosquito Control Unit of the Department continued its survey. This survey was commenced in 1944 and was the subject of a report published in 1955. 19. During the year the whole of the population of Lomaloma and Mualevu Districts of Vanuabalavu Island, Lau, 1,978 persons in all, were examined; 21-5 per cent had evidence of fila¬ riasis, either clinically or with microfilaraemia. All inhabitants, whether positive or negative, were treated with Diethyl Caramazine with a dosage rate of 100 mg. first dose, then 50 mg. on one day at monthly intervals thereafter. The intention is to re-examine this population at monthly intervals. A more detailed analysis of the figures is shown in Appendix IV. 20. Demography—Dr. W. L. Verrier continued his long-term inquiry into the demographic structure of the Fijian race.