( 2 )
cholera are included, 124 against 126. The death-rates in the Campbell
and Howrah Hospitals were 202.97 and 220.02 respectively. These rates,
though they do not materially differ from those of former years, are lamentably
high, and are ascribed to the fact that these hospitals receive a large number of
destitute and moribund patients from all parts of Calcutta and Howrah. The
report also shows a sadly high death-rate among the children treated at the
hospitals, and specially among female children. Dr. Hilson observes that the
high death-rate among female children may be attributed partly to the fact that
fewer girls as compared with boys are taken to the hospital for treatment; but
this view seems hardly to be borne out by the total figures of admissions, deaths,
and rate of mortality shown in the following statement :—
ADMISSIONS.
DEATHS.
DEATH-RATE PER MILLE.
Boys.
Girls.
Boys.
Girls.
Boys.
Girls.
1888
... 662
647
74
73
111.7
112.8
1889
... 797
776
77
99
96.6
127.5
1890
... 950
701
78
99
82.1
141.2
It would appear, therefore, that the great differences referred to in the
report are due partly to temporary and accidental variations, and partly to the
manner in which the figures are presented.
4. The number of cases of small-pox admitted to the hospitals rose from
64 to 321, and of these no less than 229 were of a confluent or semi-confluent
character. Nearly all of these were treated in the Campbell Hospital, where,
in addition to the regular accommodation in the Permanent Small-pox Hospital,
special temporary wards were prepared for their reception. It is noticeable
that no less than 183 of the patients were unprotected by vaccination, against
only 16 in 1889. There were 528 admissions for cholera which in 291 cases
proved fatal. Dysentery and diarrhœa were less common than in the previous
year. The number of cases of malarial fevers rose from 3,867 to 4,366, of
which 289 proved fatal. Enteric fever was not common during the year. The
Inspector-General notices the occurrence of cases of cholera among patients
under treatment for other diseases in the Howrah and Presidency General
Hospitals. These cases are not easy to account for, but in Dr. Hilson's opinion
are probably due to deficient conservancy arrangements in the hospitals them-
selves, a state of things which should be remedied immediately.
5. The record of important surgical operations during the year was 2,080
against 1,926 in the previous year, and death ensued in 88 cases, giving a rate
of mortality of 39 per mille, the same as in 1889. The Inspector-General again
dwells on the importance of making over operations to the House Surgeons and
senior students in order to give them practical knowledge and experience.
The patient's view of the matter must not, however, be overlooked. In the
Campbell Hospital, where this system would seem to be more in force than
elsewhere, the rate of mortality after operations rose from 44 per thousand in
1889 to 84 per thousand in the year under review, and a large proportion of
cataract, lithotomy and other cases proved unsuccessful. At the same time the
Lieutenant-Governor agrees with the Inspector-General that the importance of
hospitals as centres of practical instruction for medical students should not be
lost sight of.
6. In the Eden Hospital, which forms a part of the Medical College
Hospital, and is devoted entirely to midwifery and diseases of children, 1,772
women and children were treated against 1,603 in the previous year. Of these,
1,024 were Europeans and 748 natives. The deaths among the former numbered
27, and among the latter 42, against 29 and 56 in 1889. This diminution in the
death-rate is satisfactory, and is ascribed to improved methods of treatment.
The number of confinement cases fell from 497 to 442, and of deaths in these
cases from 18 to 10. The falling off in the number of native patients
from 771 to 748 may possibly be due to the existence of the Lady Dufferin
Hospital, which may reasonably be supposed to attract a number of patients who
would otherwise resort to the Eden Hospital.
7. In the Ezra Hospital, which is intended for the sick of the Jewish
community, 1,633 out-patients received medical aid during the year. There
were also 248 in-door patients. No information is given as to the average daily
number of in-patients.
8. The nursing arrangements at the Medical College, Eden, and Presi-
dency General Hospitals are spoken of by the Inspector-General in high terms.