3
account of the increased attention devoted to primary and secondary vaccination,
the incidence of smallpox is becoming gradually shifted from the younger to the
older ages. As the immunity conferred by successful infantile vaccination begins
to wane after a period of about 7—10 years, it has to be reinforced by revaccina
tion. This is, however, not compulsory by law at present. Reference to this
subject has been made in previous reports and, in this connexion, attention of
the Government is also invited to this office letter No. R. 964/V., dated 31st May
1929. It is under contemplation to include this subject in the agenda of the
proposed Public Health Act.
9. Unlike in the previous year, the effects of anti-vaccination campaign were
not felt to any serious extent. Excepting the somewhat organized scale in which
it was carried on in Palghat Municipality and the sporadic attempts in South
Kanara District, it was practically negligible.
10. In spite of the remarks contained in G.O. No. 1703, P.H., dated 21st
August 1928, reviewing the Vaccination Report for 1927-28, reports have
been received of instances of transfers, appointments and the granting of leave to
vaccinators without the knowledge of or against the recommendations of the
District Health Officers. The following are a few examples. The President of
Markapur Taluk Board confirmed instead of punishing a vaccinator whose work
was persistently bad ; the District Health Officer, North Arcot, complains that the
vaccinators are given undue latitude in their movements and that they are
granted leave without his knowledge, Tiruppattur Taluk Board being cited as an
instance in this respect. It is reported by the District Health Officer of South
Kanara that not a single recommendation for the transfer of vaccinators who
have been working in their own native places for a long time and whose work has
become quite unsatisfactory and whose transfer was necessitated in the interest
of services was carried out. The Government are once again requested to urge
on the presidents of local boards the necessity for the delegation to the Health
Officers of the executive powers in the matter of appointment, punishment and
disciplinary control of vaccinators; as the Health Officers are in charge of
vaccination administration, it is but appropriate and reasonable that the control
of the staff should be vested in them. It may be pointed out in this connexion
that, in these instances in which the delegation has been done, the powers have
without exception been exercised quite judiciously and there need therefore be no
apprehension of any misuse of authority.
11. In accordance with G.O. No. 756, P.H., dated 30th March 1928, Assist
ant Health Officers were appointed for six districts in 1928-29. The period of
employment of these officers, short as it has been, has been attended with satisfac
tory results, and it is hoped that the scheme will be extended to other districts.
The cadre of health inspectors was strengthened during the year by the
appointment of 18 additional hands.
As regards municipalities, Health Officers were appointed for the first time
in four towns, viz., Conjeeveram and Vellore (First-class Health Officers) and
Ellore and Srivilliputtur (Second-class Health Officers). In Tinnevelly, Guntūr,
Kumbakōnam and Bezwada Municipalities, the Second-class Health Officers already
in employ were replaced by First-class Health Officers. From the improvement
effected in the administration of sanitation and public health including vaccination
since the organization of the Public Health Service, it is hoped that the 44
municipal councils which have not yet employed Health Officers will take early
steps to sanction the appointments.
12. The office of the Assistant Director of Public Health in charge of vacci
nation was held by myself from the 1st April to 21st June 1928 and by Dr.
A. Thirumalaiah during the rest of the official year.
The following is a summary of the inspections done during the year by the
Director of Public Health and the Assistant Directors of Public Health in con
nexion with vaccination and smallpox :—
Captain N. R. Ubhaya, D.P.H.—South Kanara District, Srirangam and Palamcottah
municipalities.
1-A