RUSSIA’S MEDICAL NEEDS

Greymouth Evening Star, 25 May 1942, Page 3

RUSSIA’S MEDICAL NEEDS

“ASTRONOMICAL” AID LONDON, March 2. Sir Charles Wilson, the Prime Minister’s doctor, who accompanied him on his visit to the United States in December, and who visited Moscow in the Autumn, broadcast in the European service last night on the medical supplies which Britain and America have sent to Russia. He described as “astronomical” Russia’s needs. She said she wanted of the Allies more than 1,500,0001 b. of 26 different drugs, and 1.500,000 of 59 kinds of surgical instruments. Of the drug agar agar, a particular kind of seaweed which grew on the shores of Japan, Russia asked for as much as Britain used in 25 years. Other quantities required were: Syringes 500,000, surgical knives 220,000, scissors 225,000, surgical gloves 500,000, hot water bottles 250,000, sterilisers 50,000. “It seemed that the Allies could not possibly find such vast quantities of supplies,” said Sir Charles, “but we knew the terrific penalty if we failed. It would mean that operations would have to be performed without anaesthetics.” America had made herself responsible for supplying the greater part of the huge demands. Every ship from Britain was helping to carry the balance.