12
REPORT ON THE
Education of mid
-wives.
Dr. Smith's report. The report and appended memoranda put Government in
possession of clear and complete information on the subject of these funds.
Orders have already been issued regarding the disposal of the interest accruing
from Prince Golam Mahomed's benefaction and the Hodgson Fund. The
interest accruing from the former is equally divided between the Medical
College and General Hospitals for the purpose of relieving destitute Christian
patients on their discharge from hospital. (Bengal Government letter No.
2049, dated 24th June 1873.) The amount to be given to distressed seamen
proceeding to Europe was fixed at Rs. 55-9-4 by Government Order, No. 2237,
dated 27th July 1870, and a limit of Rs. 50 fixed in other cases. Special cases in
which it is desired to give more, are to be referred to Government. The interest
of the Hodgson Fund is to be expended in providing gifts of small sums to
destitute native patients on their discharge from hospital. It appears from
Dr. Chevers' memorandum that the "Medical College Hospital account" con-
sists of a sum collected by Dr. Francis for a similar purpose. It should there-
fore also, I think, be held available for the relief of destitute natives on their
discharge from hospital.
The "Hedger Fund" was bestowed for College purposes, and is about
to be expended accordingly. The exclusion of these items reduces the
principal and accumulated interest to Rs. 23,372, and the yearly interest
available to Rs. 752-1-10. I agree with Dr. Smith in thinking that all
the floating deposits and accumulated interest should be invested in
Government securities, and perhaps until the question of a new hospital
has been finally decided, it will be better to hold these funds in hand. They
can be used when the necessity arises for adding to the comfort of the
place, or providing such luxuries for the patients as Government cannot be ex-
pected to bestow. The sum of Rs. 3,000 advanced by Government, and the savings
of previous years, amounting to Rs. 205-14-6, have been paid into the treasury
to the credit of Government.
17. Dr. Charles has submitted a report on the subject of training native
dhais. Four women remained under instruction when the last report was
submitted. Of these three have been examined and certified, and the fourth
left of her own accord. Dr. Charles asks whether the experiment is to be
continued. My opinion is that it should, if elderly dhais already in practice can
be induced to avail themselves of the opportunities offered of improving their
knowledge and fitness to practise their calling.
18. The business of this large and important hospital has been during
the past year transacted with the zeal and skill, which have always characterized
its officers. Dr. Smith also testifies in his report to the assiduity of the resident
and subordinate staff. He mentions in a separate communication that the statis-
tical portion of the report has been prepared by Assistant Surgeon A. Crombie,
M.D., the Resident Surgeon, and I have much pleasure in commending to the
notice of Government the clear and intelligent manner in which Dr. Crombie
has performed this duty.
Addition to the
hospital.
GENERAL HOSPITAL.
19. Dr. Ewart has again submitted an admirable report of this import-
ant hospital, in which medical and administrative matters are treated in a very
lucid and exhaustive manner.
20. An important addition was made to the hospital in August, when
the building in which the sick of the European regiment stationed at Fort
William had been accommodated was vacated by the military. The General
Hospital is now a purely civil institution, consisting of three substantial three-
storied blocks in which 285 sick can be comfortably treated, or on an emergency
as many as 315. The Surgeon Superintendent submitted a well considered