19
CALCUTTA MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS.
in the number of natives. The reason of this is probably that the former have
a greater appreciation of the benefits to be derived from the institution, while
it may be supposed that the Dufferin Hospital, under the energetic management
of Mrs. Foggo, M.D., attracts a number of native patients who would otherwise
go to the Eden.
39. The figures also afford evidence of a very satisfactory diminution
of the death-rate both among Europeans and Natives. This can be accounted
for by the improved methods of treatment now adopted and to strict attention
to antiseptic precautions in all surgical and midwifery cases. The mortality
among the native patients, although considerably less than it was in former
years, is still lamentably high, contrasting very unfavourably with that of the
Europeans, and is caused in a great measure by the reluctance of the former to
resort to the hospital at an early stage of sickness. The total number of deaths
among both Europeans and Natives was 69 out of 1,772 treated, against 85 out
of 1,603 in 1889, or at the rate of 38.93 per mille in 1890, against 53.02 in
1889.
40. There were 442 confinements, against 497 in the previous year—
1889.
1890.
Europeans
... 211
212
Natives ...
... 286
230
497
442
and the deaths among these were—
1889.
1890.
Europeans
. . .
4
3
Natives ...
...
14
7
18
10
In this connection Dr. Joubert remarks :—" No explanation can be offered
for the diminution in the number of confinements among natives. In 1889
7 of the 14 native patients who died were admitted moribund, but in 1890
out of 7 deaths 4 were admitted moribund, and the rest died of diseases uncon-
nected with their confinement." Some of the confinements were of a particularly
difficult and dangerous character, of which Dr. Joubert gives details in his report,
which need not be referred to here.
41. Septicœmia.—It is satisfactory to find that, although 15 cases of this
fatal affection were treated, only one of them originated in the hospital, and
the patient recovered. On this subject Dr. Joubert remarks :—" Four cases were
treated among Europeans and 11 among Natives. Of the former one died, and
of the latter seven. Most of the natives were admitted in a terrible condition.
Great precautions have been taken to prevent the spread of septicœmia : such
cases are never admitted into the lying-in wards, and if originating in the
hospital, they are moved into another ward. The nurses who attend them are
not allowed to enter the lying-in wards, nor are they admitted to the confine-
ment room, and other antiseptic precautions are taken."
42. Of the other diseases it may be mentioned there were six cases of
puerperal eclampsia during the year, and of these three died, but two of them
were moribund on admission. Of five cases of puerperal insanity, all recovered
under careful treatment.
43. Operations.—There were 143 major operations during the year, against
199 in 1889, but it is not clear how far this diminution is due to the altered
system of classification adopted by Dr. Joubert last year. This matter was
alluded to in my last report and was brought to the notice of Government,
with the result that a revised classification of all the major and minor
operations is under consideration by the Government of India, and it is
hoped that final orders will soon be issued. In preparing the new classification,
the opinions of Drs. MacLeod, Raye, Joubert and some eminent Surgeons of other
provinces have been submitted to Government during the course of the past year,
and it is probable that next year the new system will be adopted.