CALCUTTA MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS.
19
Surgeon-Major R. C. Sanders acted for him. There were several changes in the
office of the first resident surgeon. Dr. Nicholson held the office from 1st
January to 26th February; Dr. W. Beatson from 27th February to 3rd March;
Dr. E. G. Russell from 4th March to 18th December; Dr. R. D. Murray
from 19th to 31st December 1884. Dr. Harris was the second resident surgeon
throughout the year.
93. The total number of patients treated during the year was 3,073
against 3,121 in 1883. They may be classified as follows:—
Sailors.
Non-paying.
Paying.
Total.
1881
...
... 1,444
1,180
239
2,863
1882
...
... 1,735
1,116
444
3,295
1883
...
... 1,622
928
571
3,121
1884
...
... 1,619
1,097
357
3,073
94. The total number of paying patients in 1884 shows a decrease,
and their payments as compared with the three preceding years were as
follows:—
Rs. 5
per di em.
Rs. 3
per diem.
Rs. 2
per diem.
Re. 1
per diem.
Total.
1881
...
4
93
117
25
239
1882
...
......
153
175
116
444
183
...
......
216
260
95
571
1884
. . .
......
144
134
79
357
95. The daily average number of sick was 165, viz., paying patients
proper 19, paying seamen 84, and non-paying patients 62. In 1883 the daily
average was 148; and in the ten preceding years, including 1883, it was 157.4.
The total number treated was 3,073 against 3,504, the average of the decade.
96. There were 124 deaths against 149 in 1883, and the rate of mortality
per 1,000 treated was 40.3 in 1884, against 47, 44, and 47 in three preced-
ing years. The average rate of the decade, including 1883, is 46. Excluding
the deaths from cholera, the rate was 31.68 in 1884 against 35.47 in 1883.
97. Besides quadrennial repairs to the central building, converting eastern
and western building into private wards, dismantling old guard-room, and cook-
house, and constructing partition wall, and brick-nogging partition, the Calcutta
filtered water was laid on. The work was commenced in February, and finished
in March at a cost of Rs. 7,072—a sum which included the cost of a four-inch cast-
iron pipe from the end of Circular Road to the hospital, where it terminates in a
large reservoir, whence the water is forced by a pump into iron tanks placed on
the roof of newly-built latrines, and from these distributed throughout the
hospital compound. The western half of this large compound was ex-
tremely badly drained. Plans and estimates were however prepared and
sanctioned, and drainage works commenced in May and were finished in July.
The direction of the drainage of the compound has been altered by this work,
which now by, means of a deep partly arched and partly open pucca drain
conducts the outflow into the main sewer on the Circular Road, and a great
improvement has been thus effected.
98. The old Sumbhoo Nath Pundit ward, which of late years had been
unused, though an excellent building, has been converted into a small-pox ward.
It is intended for paying patients only, and is now admirably adapted for its
purpose. Dr. Birch however states that it is too near the eastern block, which
contains one of the male medical wards and the women and children's ward.
99. Another very important work has been the improvement of accom-
modation for private patients. There is now a range of 12 most excellent
rooms for this purpose. This will prove a remunerative work.
100. The same diet scale has remained in force as obtained in
1883, with the exception that porridge is only served to those who like it.
The scale is very liberal and in every way sufficient. The Surgeon