ABSTRACTS OF REPORTS BY CIVIL SURGEONS.
29
ought to be at least forty vaccinators, and these should be men who not only know, but also are
well known by, the inhabitants. " I mean," he writes, " the inoculators; their services could
doubtless be procured, and very little instruction would make such men thoroughly expert
vaccinators. If inoculation was made punishable, these men would be got for comparatively
trivial remuneration; at the same time one of the greatest bars to the present progress of
vaccination would be removed." As regards the attitude of the people, he remarks—
Feeling of the
people.
I am of opinion that the obstacles to the progress of vaccination dwindle down to mere antipathy,
which the natives from apathy always display to innovations to established usage, but which doubtless at
no distant period would be effectually overcome were an efficient staff of trained vaccinators placed at
the disposal of the medical officers, and the executive officer desired to exercise his influence on behalf
of vaccination.
Inoculation.
Inoculation is extensively practised throughout the district. There was but little
small-pox.
Agency.
Inspection.
Inoculation.
Small-pox
Sarun District.—Six vaccinators were at work during the year, in addition to which
three inoculators were induced to practise vaccination, receiving a fee of two annas for each
successful case. Operations were chiefly carried on in the town and suburbs of Chuprah.
The results of inspection were satisfactory, and the work of the vaccinators was examined
almost daily. In the town and suburbs the people are becoming more reconciled year by
year to vaccination, but those of the district are still adverse to it. Inoculation has been pro-
hibited within municipal limits, but is in vogue in the district. There was no great prevalence
of small-pox at any time during the year. In concluding his report Dr. Russell writes—
Essentials of
successful
vaccination.
With a view to a more perfect system of vaccination, it is essential (a) that inoculators be won over
to practise vaccination; (b) that their names be duly registered; (c) that fines be imposed on them should
they be caught inoculating; and (d) that a native superintendent be appointed to supervise their work.
The cordial co-operation of the civil authorities is necessary to establish and carry out these measures.
Agency.
Inspection.
Inoculation.
Revelgunge.—There were two vaccinators attached to this sub-division; they were assisted
by three inoculators, paid in the same manner as at the Sudder station Operations were
limited to municipal bounds and adjacent villages. Daily inspections,with satisfactory results.
Inoculation, though prohibited by law, is reported to be still privately practised in the town,
and to a large extent in the neighbourhood.
Agency.
Ex-inoculation.
Inspection.
Hutwa.—Three regularly paid vaccinators and five ex-inoculators, paid by commission,
constitute the vaccine establishment of this sub-division. The regularly paid men practised
in and around Hutwa, while the ex-inoculators took up their respective beats in the district,
where they had hitherto practised inoculation. The Assistant Surgeon inspected the work
three or four times a month, and reports that he invariably found it satisfactory.
Training
inoculators.
Result.
Inoculation.
Small-pox.
Sewan.—Here, as in the other sub-divisions of Chuprah, the plan of instructing inocula-
tors and then paying them at the rate of two annas per successful case was adopted. Three were
so taught, but they did not begin work till the very close of the season. Their fees, together
with the salary of two vaccinators, who were also employed for the season, were paid by the
municipality. Work was carried on in a very desultory manner. Every means, however, was
taken to verify it. The people are beginning to appreciate vaccination. Inoculation is still
practised; and small-pox prevailed extensively from time to time.
Agency
Ex-inoculators.
Chumparun District.— Vaccination is principally carried on in this district through the
agency of ex-inoculators. A number of local men have been taught vaccination, and are
located in the vaccine villages, where they formerly inoculated. Their operations, as a rule, are
limited to these areas, and cannot be increased, as each man, through long occupation, may
be said to have a vested interest in his own area, to encroach on which would produce
dissensions among them, cause dissatisfaction to the population, and retard the introduction
of vaccination. These men work willingly, but they require constant watching, as they are
apt to fall back on their former mode of operating on the slightest inducement being offered.
The Civil Surgeon writes—
Inspection.
Area under
vaccination.
Prizes.
The work of these men is verified by constant inspection during the season. These inspections,
though made as frequent as other duties will allow, cannot, for want of time, be as searching as they
should be. From the nature of the materials to be worked with, they cannot be too frequent or too search-
ing. I frequently send round the Government vaccinator when I cannot go myself The eastern and
southern portion of the district is that operated over; the area is small, but well marked, and thoroughly
worked over. That it has not been increased, has been owing to my not being able to place reliance on the
majority of the operators ; and when the area is increased, the supervision must necessarily be less fre-
quent * * * * and I think if the plan of giving a bonus at the end of the season to the more
successful operators be sanctioned, a considerable stimulus in this direction will be given.
Inoculation.
Small-pox.
No opposition has been met with from the inhabitants, who, as a rule, are indifferent,
provided some one means of protection is adopted. Inoculation may, however, still be
considered as the favourite operation, and is prevalent throughout the district. Small-pox
prevails every year more or less, and frequently in an epidemic form, over the greater part
of the district. The year under report has, however, been remarkably free from epidemics,
though occasional outbreaks have occurred from time to time.
H