1.
GV Alexandra housing estate
3 ft

2.
Sign: FIGHT KIDNEY DISEASE pan to photo of patient
7 ft

3.
Student investigators out of building
12 ft

4.
Two students knock on door and enter
22 ft

5.
Man takes blood pressure test
29 ft

6.
Children watch
30 ft

7.
Man leaves room for urine sample and returns
38 ft

8.
Students analyse sample and
45 ft

9.
Old lady watches
46 ft

10.
Another man gets blood test as children watch
49 ft

11.
Woman opens door for students and gets test
57 ft

12.
GV University of Singapore and sign
61 ft

13.
Bacteriologists check samples
67 ft

14.
CU sample seen through magnifying glass
69 ft

15.
Samples checked
72 ft



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Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: Singapore, which has a reputation as the cleanest city in Asia, now hopes to be the healthiest as well. It has just begun an unusual campaign to fight kidney disease which kills 400 Singaporeans each year.

Twenty university medical students are touring a large housing estate with the aim of collecting 10,000 urine samples for a survey on kidney diseases, diabetes and high blood pressure for the National Kidney Foundation.

They have chosen the Alexandra housing estate which, according to medical authorities, ideally reflects Singapore's multi-racial make-up.

However, because of the personal nature of the survey, the youthful investigators often found themselves rebuffed when they knocked on doors. Those who do co-operate are rewarded with five Singapore dollars (US$1.7).

After taking a blood pressure test, volunteers then gave a urine sample which is analysed on the spot using a simple slide method. If any abnormality is found, the person concerned is offered free and specialised treatment at a hospital kidney unit in order to allow further detailed investigations.

Those found to have high blood pressure or diabetes are also offered specialised treatment free of charge. All the samples are later given a more detailed examination at the University of Singapore to check for any bacteria growth.

The survey is expected to take six weeks with another six months needed to carry out the overall analysis.