HC Deb 26 January 1944 vol 396 cc681-3
38. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in view of the hardship inflicted on patients in Uganda who will have to travel long distances in order to attend dispensaries and secure treatment, he will consider the provsion of travelling dispensaries; whether the same medicines are supplied at the Malage Hospital, Kampala, to Africans and Europeans; and whether there are hospital boards of visitors in Uganda.

Colonel Stanley

Uganda has adopted the alternative system of cyclist medical dressers who hold clinics in the, districts once or twice a week. This is economical, and available to places not served by permanent medical stations and inaccessible to travelling dispensaries. The answer to the second part of the Question is in the affirmative. There are no formal boards of visitors except for the mental hospital, but British officers on tour and local native authorities visit the hospitals regularly and call attention to any matters as they think fit.

Mr. Sorensen

Has the right hon. and gallant Gentleman considered whether it is practicable and desirable to have these boards of visitors?

Colonel Stanley

No, Sir. I think the present arrangement works well. The boards could consist only of the British officers and the native administrators, who do in fact visit hospitals.