§ 67. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many hospitals and dispensaries have been closed down in Kenya and Sierra Leone through shortage of doctors; what steps are being taken to recruit African doctors in Great Britain for the Colonial Medical Service; and how many scholarships for medical training have been awarded during the last three years by the Governments of Kenya and Sierra Leone.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsNo hospitals or dispensaries have been closed in Kenya, but I regret that in February, 1951, staff shortages made it necessary temporarily to close two hospitals in Sierra Leone. Posts in the Colonial Medical Service are widely advertised, and African medical students are encouraged to apply for them.
During the last three years, the Kenya Government has awarded seventeen scholarships for medical training, and has also paid £21,000 to Makerere College for the training of African Medical Officers. The Sierra Leone Government has made seven awards, and two awards have been made to Sierra Leone students from the central allocation of colonial development and welfare funds.