MEDICAL SERVICE VACANT AND NEW SPECIALIST AND GENERAL POSTS (Doctors)

Mr Lim Choon Mong asked the Chief Secretary if he will state the number of Specialist and General posts for doctors in the Medical Service that are vacant now; the number of new posts that are to be created; and the reasons for the necessity of such newly created posts.

Mr W. A. C. Goode: There are 30 specialist posts of which twelve are at present vacant; thirteen new posts have been asked for in 1956. There are at present 140 General posts for doctors of which 139 are filled; thirty-two additional posts have been asked for in 1956. The additional posts are needed for the planned expansion of existing hospitals.