Tuberculosis, in short term"TB", is still a major
health problem in Hong Kong. The Association
started fighting TB since late 1940. In 1940s the
number of deaths from TB was very worrying and in
1948, 108.9 people per 100,000 population died of
TB. For this reason Mr. Jehangir H. Ruttonjee
started his campaign against TB. He called on a
number of close and influential friends and
convinced them on the need to fight TB. Together
with such dedicated citizens as Sir S.N. Chau,
Messrs. Ngan Shing Kwan, Shum Wai Yau, D. Benson,
Lee Lu Cheung, Seaward Woo as well as, Dhun
Ruttonjee son of Mr. J.H. Ruttonjee, they formed
the first institution named "the Hong Kong
Anti-Tuberculosis Association in 1948". Secondly,
with a substantial donation from Mr. J.H.
Ruttonjee, the former naval hospital in Wanchai
area was converted to become the Ruttonjee
Sanatorium in February 1949 mainly for the
treatment of tuberculosis. It was later redeveloped
to a General Hospital in 1991. Thirdly, the
Grantham Hospital was formed in June 1957 which was
also mainly for the treatment of tuberculosis and
later evolved into a Cardio-thoracic Centre in
1982. Fourthly, the Freni Memorial Convalescent
Home was redeveloped into a 250-bed Care and
Attention Home for the elderly in late 1999.
We can never forget
the devoted and unfailing support of the Ruttonjee
Family in the fierce battle against Tuberculosis.
Up to date, our distinguished Vice-President Mr. R.M.
Shroff, a member of the Ruttonjee Family, is still
leading the Association to carry on the brilliant
tradition.
Ruttonjee & Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals,
Wan Chai
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Grantham Hospital
Aberdeen
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Freni
Care & Attention Home, Wan Chai
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