19
CALCUTTA MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS.
they are administered with as rigid an economy as is consistent with efficiency.
It is satisfactory to note that the expenses connected with the medical examin-
ation and treatment of prostitutes under Act XIV have, in 1872, undergone
a very considerable reduction, as compared with the two preceding years.
53. Dr. Shircore, the Officiating Superintendent of these hospitals, gives
in his report for the year 1872 full details regarding their working. The state-
ment on the margin shows
that though the amount of
disease detected among regis-
tered prostitutes is greater
than in 1871, for the rea-
son assigned by the Superin-
tendent, it falls considerably
short of the two first years of
the operation of the Act ;
while from the table given in
paragraph 7, it is quite evi-
dent that the severer forms of
venereal affection which entail the graver secondary and hereditary results have
undergone a very marked and satisfactory reduction. This is a matter of great
importance, and there need be no hesitation in accepting the figures. The
contrast between the amount of disease among the women subjected to
regular medical examination, and those brought for examination for the first
time, shows how much the proceedings carried out under the Act tend to limit
the prevalence of the loathsome and serious diseases which it is their object to
combat.
54. The statistics of the European regiment in the fort evidence a decided
decrease of venereal affections. I am of opinion, however, that for purposes of com-
parison with the period before the introduction of the Act, all cases of venereal
disease occurring in the garrison should be shown. That which has been con-
tracted within the limits of the operation of the Act can be exhibited as a special
statement. The statistics of hospitals show that venereal disease is still under-
going a diminution among the general community. In the month of June
1872, I submitted, for the information of Government, the opinions of the
medical officers holding hospital charges in Calcutta on this subject. They
bore strong testimony to the benefit which Act XIV of 1868 is conferring on the
health of Calcutta.
STATEMENT No. XIX.
YEAR.
Number.
on the Re
gister.
Admission
into Hos
pital.
Percent
age.
Mean daily
sick.
Percent-
age.
1869
... 6,024
...
...
324
4.6
1870
...
6,393
4,506
70.5
337
5.2
1871
... 7,139
2,037
28.5
190
2.6
1872
... 6,962
2,941
42.2
294
4.2
Reduction of dis-
ease among pros-
titutes.
Statistics of tho
garrison of Fort
William ;
and of hospitals.
55. I append a memorandum showing the dates on which the several
reports and returns, treated of in the above, were received in this office. Several
references regarding these became necessary, the last of which was only received
on the 24th of this month. There has, therefore, been no unnecessary delay in
this office ; and the delay which has taken place has enabled me to avail myself
of the returns of the Chandney Hospital, and its affiliated dispensaries, and of
those of the Health Officer of Calcutta, which have materially assisted me in
drawing conclusions regarding the health of the town from the statistics of the
Calcutta Medical Institutions.
I have the honor to be.
SIR,
Your most obedient servant,
J. CAMPBELL BROWN,
Inspector-General of Hospitals.
Indian Medical Department.
K. MCLEOD, A.M., M.D.,
Secretary.