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Nineteen Sub-Assistant Surgeons were deputed to malarious districts during
the year for the distribution of quinine. Their operations extended over 36
thanas in the districts of Murshidabad, Nadia, Jessore, 24-Parganas, Purnea
and Birbhum, and are reported to have been greatly appreciated. This
measure will be repeated during the current year. More effective measures
were introduced for the sale of quinine in pice-packets, the size of which
was also increased, and it is satisfactory to notice that the number of parcels
sold increased greatly, 25,514 being disposed of as against 13,307 in the
previous year. In addition 4,818 phials, each containing three hundred 3½-grain
tablets, were sold. The whole subject has recently been again examined in the
light of the recommendations of the Malaria Conference held at Simla in
October 1909 ; and although no material departure is contemplated, minor
reforms, based upon the experience of other Provinces, will be tried.
11. Dysentery and Diarrhœa.—There was a large reduction in the mortality
from this cause, the total number of deaths being 35,981, or .71 per mille, as
against 64,899, or 1.28 per mille. in 1908. The same causes which led to a
decrease in the mortality from cholera were operative in this instance also.
As usual the Orissa Division was the chief sufferer from the disease, though in a
greatly decreased ratio, the deaths being 2.82 per mille as against 6.68 per mille
during the previous year.
12. Respiratory Diseases.—The number of deaths registered in 1909 was
15,071, or practically the same as the figure (15,399) for 1908. Owing to the
difficulty in obtaining reliable diagnoses in these cases, the figures are not
reliable, and exact conclusions cannot be drawn.
13. Injury.—The deaths under this head exhibited an increase, and
numbered 27,280 as compared with 24,896 in 1908. Deaths from snake-bite
decreased from 8,789 in 1908 to 8,605 during the year under report. Seventy
dozen permanganate lancets were distributed by Civil Surgeons to selected
persons ; and of the cases treated by this method (namely 59), it is claimed that
84.74 per cent. were successful. Three cases were treated successfully with
antivenene.
14. Sanitary Improvements.—The gradual increase in expenditure by
Municipalities upon sanitary improvements, which was remarked upon last
year, was maintained in 1908-1909, the total expenditure on conservancy,
drainage and water-supply being Rs. 21,97,380, or an increase of Rs. 2,48,557
over the figures for 1907-1908. The 4½-lakh grant made by the Govern-
ment of India for sanitary improvements was fully utilised in assisting
local bodies to carry out schemes of drainage and water-supply. The
Lieutenant-Governor agrees with the opinion expressed by Colonel Clarkson
that, for the present at any rate, this grant should as far as possible be
devoted to large schemes, and not frittered away on a large number of
petty projects. The latter are usually such as should be carried out by
local bodies without special help; and if the grants available are used in
furtherance of large and permanent measures, it follows that in the course
of a few years considerable progress in the way of sanitary improvement
should be visible.
15. The appointment of an Inspector of Septic Tank Installations has
proved successful; and as a result of Major Clemesha's inspection of these
installations, various improvements have been effected.
16. Sanitary Board.—During the year under report the estimates of
various water supply schemes were prepared by the Board, and others were
revised. The construction of water-works at Darjeeling, Monghyr and
Bhagalpur was in progress.
Eleven drainage schemes were under preparation during the year at
Bhagalpur, Gaya, Jessore, Murshidabad, Berhampore, Hooghly-Chinsura,
Azimganj, Bhadreswar, Chapra, Purulia and Ranchi, while the drainage
schemes for Daltonganj, Monghyr and Serampore were further considered.
The drainage schemes of Howrah, Puri, Barasat, Basirhat, Baruipur, Budge
Budge, Baranagore, Bhatpara and Arrah were in progress during the year.
The improvement of the procedure in submitting projects of drainage and
water-supply, in order to ensure their prompt disposal and the avoidance of
unnecessary enquiries, was under consideration.