21. Dr. Morganasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in the venereal diseases clinic at Kings ton, Jamaica, there are different departments for adults of different sexes and also for children; and whether children proved diseased, are sent away for treatment in approved institutions or treated periodically at the clinic with family attendants?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. George Hall)There are different departments for males and females, but the Governor states that, owing to lack of space and staff, there are not separate departments for children. There are no special facilities in the hospitals for treating children suffering from these diseases, and the great majority of infected children are treated at the clinic as out-patients. The Governor reports that it is not the general rule for a child attending the clinic to be accompanied by an adult member of the family, except on first visit. My Noble Friend does not regard this position as satisfactory, and he is taking up the whole matter with the Governor of Jamaica.
Dr. MorganWill the hon. Gentleman see that adequate arrangements are made for the treatment of children suffering from these diseases in the West Indian Islands?
22. Dr. Morganasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies, how many clinics for the diagnosis and treatment of venereal diseases exist in Jamaica; how many full-time medical officers are engaged; what proportion of the population are recorded as seeking available treatment from such clinics in comparison with the estimated number of persons infected in the Colony; whether statistics are avail able for the information of Members as to the number of cases voluntarily submit ting themselves for clinic treatment; and whether any extension of treatment facilities is at present contemplated?
§ Mr. HallAs the answer is a lengthy one and contains figures, I will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the answer:
§ There are three clinics for the treatment of venereal diseases in Jamaica, situated at Kingston, Montego Bay and Port Antonio. Four full-time and two part-time medical officers are attached to the Kingston clinic and one part-time medical officer to each of the other two clinics. The Governor states that it is impossible to estimate the proportion of those infected who seek treatment at the clinics. It is known, however, that an exceedingly small proportion of cases ever seek competent medical treatment in the early stage. The greater percentage only do so if late unpleasant complications develop.
§ The following numbers of new cases were admitted to the clinics in 1940:
| Male. | Female. | |
| Kingston: | ||
| Gonorrhea | 2,691 | 4,051 |
| Syphilis | 1,624 | 2,190 |
| Montego Bay: | ||
| Gonorrhea | 1,056 | 1,104 |
| Syphilis | 504 | 448 |
| port Antonio: | ||
| Gonorrhea | 800 | 506 |
| Syphilis | 758 | 489 |
§ As regards the last part of the Question, the Governor reports that a temporary clinic at Kingston public hospital is equipped but is not in operation owing to the lack of staff. Clinics are also planned for Spanish Town, St. Anne's Bay, Falmouth, Savanna-La-Mar, Black River and Mandeville, when funds are available.