ACTING PHYSICIAN

Mr Lim Choon Mong asked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that one Asian Medical Officer has been holding the post of Acting Physician for a period of a year and a half, and whether he will state the reason for the said officer not being confirmed in his acting post.

Mr W. A. C. Goode: There is no Asian Medical Officer who has been holding the post of Acting Physician for a period of a year and a half. One such officer, however, has been undertaking the administrative duties of a Physician in charge of a Unit since 1-2-56, but, because he is not qualified to do so, has not been carrying out the Specialist Medical duties of the post. It is hoped that the vacancy will be filled substantively by a local officer who will obtain the required qualifications in the near future.