CALCUTTA MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS.
25
20 deaths in 1889, against 30 in the previous year, the death-rates being 8.2
per mille and 10.9 per mille respectively. The diminution in the death-rate
is said to have been due to the constables not having suffered so much from
cholera in the year under review as compared with 1888, and also to mortality
from this disease having been less in the year. There were 9 cases of cholera,
with 3 deaths, in 1889, as against 24 and 14, respectively, in the previous year.
There were 2 cases of small-pox, against 3 in 1888. The number of patients
who suffered from venereal diseases was 113, against 122 in the previous year.
96. Dr. Mackenzie reports that a new dead-house was constructed in a
suitable part of the compound. The old cots were repaired and painted, and 20
new ones were added to the number. Some petty repairs were also executed to
the hospital buildings. There is no regular outdoor department in this hospital,
but 12 constables (8 European and 4 Natives), who suffered from trivial com-
plaints, received medicines from the hospital. Besides these, 42 members of the
Burmah Military Police force were sent in the hospital for treatment. The
Superintendent remarks that these sepoys were in a low and anæmic condition,
and some of them were in a moribund state. Of the 42, 13 patients died, or a
rate of 30.95 per cent.
97. Howrah General Hospital.—Surgeon-Maj or R. G. Mathew was in charge
of the hospital from 1st January to 2nd of August, and Surgeon-Major A. Tomes
from 3rd August to the end of the year.
98. There were treated a total number of 11,122 patients, against 11,910 in
1888. The number of Europeans was 3,166 and of Natives 7,956, against 3,647
and 8,263, respectively, in the previous year. The total number of indoor
patients was 1,513, of which 603 were Europeans and 910 Natives, against
1,385, 500, and 885, respectively, in 1888. The increase in the number of
European in-patients is said to have been caused by a larger number of seamen
having been treated in the year under report. The increase of Native patients
is attributed to the opening of a new ward and to the larger practice of
operative surgery. Outdoor patients numbered 9,609, consisting of 2,563
Europeans and 7,046 Natives. The corresponding figures in 1888 were 10,525,
3,147, and 7,378. The diminution in the number of European out-patients
is said to have been due to a more careful exclusion of persons able to pay for
their medical treatment. The death-rate of the hospital was less than that
in 1888. The Assistant Surgeon in charge of the Native ward attributes the
smaller death-rate among Native patients to the improvements in the buildings.
Dr. Tomes says the year has been a healthier one for Europeans, there having
been fewer admissions of severe and moribund cases.
99. The Superintendent reports that a new ward with accommodation for
20 patients was constructed in the Native department for moribund cases. The
compound was enlarged and a new Native cholera ward built. Dr. Tomes
states that a public latrine which stood in close proximity to the Native hospital
was removed. He also reports that the institution maintains its popularity,
and is an immense benefit to the railway employés and to the sea-faring
community, besides other classes, Native and European.
I have the honour to be,
SIR,
Your most obedient servant,
A. HILSON, M.D.,
Inspector-General of Civil Hospitals, Bengal.
•
R. D'R.—Reg. No. 327J—150—5-6-90.