NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
330
No. 28.
1. Report on the -working of the Bene-Israel
Hospital, Bombay, from the 1st June 1898
to the 31st May 1899.
2. The Bene-Israel Plague Hospital is a communal hospital for Jews of all
denominations—Bene-Israelites, Bagcladi and other Jews. It was opened on the
23rd February li.98 } and has been kept open up to dale.
Committee.
Mr. David Aaron
„ Abraham Daniel ...
„ Elijah Solomon, B. A.
Khan Sahib David Solomon ...
•
...
...
President.
Vice-President
Honorary Treasurer.
Honorary Secretary.
Medical Staff.
Dr. J. B. De Quadros, L. II. C. P., L. R.O. S. Medical Officer.
Mr. Ramkrishna Vithal Lad
...
... Resident Hospital Assistant.
Sta/.
1 Nurse.
1 Storekeeper.
2 Ayahs.
1 Cook.
] Peon.
1 Hamal.
1 Sweeper (Halalcore).
1 Malee.
1 Ramosee.
The hospital was built from subscriptions and donations, and through
the munificent donations of the late Baroness deHirsch, Baron Rothschild of
Paris, some of the Beno clubs and congregations in America. The hospital was
efficiently managed and conducted to the full satisfaction of every one.
It may be mentioned that the plague authorities were also pleased to sanction
a grant of Rs. 600 towards the expenses of the hospital.
The Committee has also the pleasure to mention ihe name of the kind and
philanthropic gentleman, Mr. M. N. "YVadia, D.I.E., amongst the sympathisers of the
hospital,who, with his usual generosity, through the instrumentality of Sirdar Khan
Bahadoor Mir Abdool Ali of the Bombay Police, gave a donation in cash of Rs. 300
and clothes, to the value of Rs. 150 to bo distributed to the poor patients of this
hospital.
3. Tha hospital is situate at Connaught Road, Byculla. There are fourteen
blocks occupying It acres of Municipal ground given to this hospital by the kind
Municipal Commissioner, to whom the thanks of the whole Jewish Community
are due.
331
The blocks are as follow :—
1. Acute Ward ...
...
... 1 block divided into two wards—one for the
nuiles and the other for the females ; both
accommodating 20 patients.
2. Convalescent Ward ...
... 1 block as above accommodating 8 patients.
3. Observation Ward
1 block as above accommodating 8 patients.
4. Mortuary
...
...
... 1 block of 3 rooms—one for washing the dead
body according to the religions rites, the
other for the performance of funeral rites
and the third for the sholter of persons.
5. Dispensary and Store-room ... 1 block with 3 rooms.
6. Office
1 block.
7. Servants'Quarters
1 block of 4 rooms.
S. Contact Ward
... 1 block of 6 rooms.
9. Segregation Camp ...
... 1 block of 10 rooms.
10-13. Health Camps
4 blocks of 20 rooms.
14. Bhangis' Quarters
1 block.
Health camps were built by the Municipality at the recommendations of
Col. James S. Willdns, D.S.O., I.M.8., Special Medical Officer, and J. H..DuBoulay,
Esq., I.C.S., Uepuiy Commissioner for Plague Operations.
One room in the contact ward is given to each contact family as well as those re-
moved to segregation camp uud the health camps. These camps can accommodate
nearly 150 persons at a time.
The contacts removed to the hospital were detained in- the camp till- the patient
with whom they came was discharged ; in cases of death, they were discharged after
10 days from the day of such deaths. Persons sent to the segregation and health camps
were detained for fifteen days to one month, when thpy were allowed to return home.
In all 453 persons passed through these camps, the peculiarity being, that thoso
who refnsed to come at first were most backward to leave.
4. Latrines.—Latrines consist of two blocks—one for contacts and the other
for those in health camps. Each block has three seats. Excreta are removed to
the night-soil depot twice a day by the halalcore. Before being taken, it is treated
with a strong lotion of phenyle and carbolic acid, the seats, &c., are washed twice
a day with carbolic acid and carbolic powder is put just near the latrines. The
halalcore is strictly supervised by a Municipal Health Inspector.
5. Wafer supply.—Two stand-pipes are provided, the waste water being con-
veysd to the main drain on the northern side.
6. Disinfectants—A solution of Perchloride of mei'cury is sprinkled twice daily
on the ground floors of the wards and all the floors are limewashed every week. In
case of death, the place just under and near the cot is disinfected with phenyle and
limewashed after two hours. 5° per cent, solution of Carbolic Aoid is used
for general purposes such as washing hands, &c., phenyie being freely used,
all thn floor of the wards are scraped every month and the dirt burnt ; new earth
boing placed, and the floors are limewashed.
Cloths, blankets, sheets, £c., are saturated with 1 per cent, solution of perchloride
mercury and exposed to sun. till dry, and subsequently washed by the dhobee. Ra"s,
hospital dressings, patient's cloths are destroyed by fire.
332
7. Mortuary.—As soon as a death takes place, tlie body is removed to the
mortuary, which is situated on the east side, after performing religious rites and
ceremonies, the hody in new clothes is removed to the burial ground.
The expenses (funeral) of the paupers dying Eire borne out of the hospital funds.
8. Inoculation —None of the patients, contact persons or persons in segregation
and health camps were inoculted,
9. Sickness among the Staff.—No case of infection or any serious nature amongst
the hospital staff or the attendants.
TABLE I.
Months.
1898.
June
...
July
August
September
October
November
December...
1899.
January ...
February
March
April
...
May
Total ...
Plague.
6 '
2
5
7
8
3
2
5
9
8
2
7
G4
Be lapsing
Fever.
Nil.
-
Nil.
Observation cases
and Genefiil
Diseases.
8
2
1
1
1
4
2
2
5
2
23
Total.
9
2
5
9
9
4
3
9
11
10
7
9
87
10. The largest number of admission was on the 12th February and the
largest number of cases admitted was during the week ending Saturday 18th Feb-
ruary 1809.
11. The total number of deaths during the year were 34. Total number of
Plague deaths were 30. The largest number of deaths was 2 on the 14th February
1899.
TABLE II.
Plague
Relapsing fever
Under observation and other
diseases ...
Total ...
Admissions.
64
23
87
Deaths.
30
4
34
Recoveries.
34
19
53
Percentage
of
Mortality.
46-8
......
17-3
39-08
333
TABLE III.
i
Months.
1898.
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
1899.
January ...
February
•March
April
May
Total
Admission
of Plague.
6
2
5
7
8
3
2
5
9
8
2
7
Died
within
24: hours.
1
1
1
4
1
4
2
1
2
Diet!
within
48 hours.
1
1
2
1
Tntol
1
1
2
1
5
2
2
7
3
2
4
Tr.4-01
5
3
3
6
2
2
2
3
2
2
4
Percentage
of
Deaths.
16'6
50.0
40.0
14.2
62.5
66.6
Nil.
40.0
77,7
37.7
10.0
57.1
TABLE IV.
Males
..
Females
Children under 12 years
Total
Total Admis-
sions.
29
18
17
64
Deaths.
17
8
5
30
Eecoveries.
12
10
12
34
Percentage of
deaths.
58'6
44.4
29.5
TABLE V.—Mortality showing among sexes and children.
Total Mortality for
the Year.
30
Mortality in Men.
17
Mortality in Women.
8
Mortality in Children under
12 Years
5
TABLE VI.—Situation of Buboes.
Situation.
Cervical ...
Parotid
R. Axillary
L. Axillary
R. Femoral
L, Femoral
E. Inguinal
L. Inguinal
Other situations ...
No Buboes
Multiple Buboes ...
Total
Total No.
of
Cases.
3
12
15
14
12
2
1
1
2
2
64
Males.
1
5
10
7
8
2
1
2
37
Females.
2
7
5
7
4
1
1
27
Mortality.
1
4
11
6
4
2
2
-
30
Recoveries.
2
......
8
4
8
8
1
1
......
2
34
Percentage
of
Mortality.
33'3
33.3
73.3
42.7
33.3
10.0
•.•••••
10.0
Bubo was on the right arm.
There were 3 cases of Black Plague, s women and 1 man, out of which 1 woman died.
334
There were two cases of Pneumonic Plague—1 Male child and one woman—both
of whom recovered. In one case, a child, there was a bubo, and pneumonia
supervened on the third day. Both cases recovered. No Bacteriological examinations
were made.
Fever,
Fever on the onset in mild cases is not above 1016° F. In severe cases
it is between 102° to 105° and in virulent cases it is always above 105°.
Convalescence.
Three to six weeks.
Under observ-
ation.
There were in all 23 patients under observation and suffering from other diseases-
out of which 4: proved fatal. 1 Kemittent fever, 2 Diarrhoea, and one child with
Consumption. The diseases which the cases under observation developed were
Bronchitis, Jaundice, Malaria, Remittent fever and Influenza.
Treatment.
Treatment wholly unsatisfactory. No drug can combat the disease. If the
disease is complicated with Diarrhoea, heart failure generally sets in, in spite of all
efforts. The following have been found useful for treating symptoms.
For Fever.
Stimulating diaphoretics such as Liqr. Amon. Acct,, Spt. Ether nit, Spt. Vinii
Gallici.
For Buboes—Ext. Belladonna and Ext. opii in equal quantities. Counter
irritants are contra-indicated as they cause inflammation. Leeches are very
harmful.
Heart,
This is the organ which requires to be sustained, and nothing seems to be more
useful than strychnine, Strophanthus with Spt. Amon. aromatic and Brandy.
Digitalis is not given as it brings on vomiting.
In convalescence, Quinine and the usual tonic treatment.
Lastly, I respectfully bring to your notice the case of a boy who had suffered
thrice at home. He was attacked for the first time in the first epidemic, for the
second time in the second epidemic—in both cases before the hospital was opened.
He was both the times treated at home. He suffered for the third time in the third
epidemic, was removed to the hospital and was cured, though immediately before his
being removed to hospital his sister died of Plague.
Remarks by the Special Medical Officer.
The hospital was one of the most satisfactorily conducted amongst all I had under
me. The Committee took a great deal of interest in the way the hospital was con-
ducted, and any suggestion made for the improvement of the hospital met with
prompt attention. The hospital itself was situated, where such infectious hospitals
ought to be, viz., outside the limits of dwelling houses; they had ample accommodation
for their contacts, and the attendants were housed near by the hospital. This com-
munity is to be congratulated in their efforts to improve the condition of the suffering
poor of their creed. The report of the case of Plague which survived 3 attacks is
interesting, and the facts from investigation seem accurate.
No. 29.
1. Report on the Hallai (or Meman Wada) Plague
Hospital, Bombay, from the month of November 1899 to
31st May 1899.
2. The building of the hospital is the Jamat Khana of the Hallai Memans,
and is situated on Meman Wada Eoad, in Umarkhadi.
It is opened chiefly for the Hallai Jamat by whom the funds are provided.
The patients who were admitted were allowed to have a choice of English or Native
treatment.
335
The Hospital was opened during the time of General Gatacre's chairmanship.
Almost all the cases were treated by the Native Hakims. There were 3 ward-
boys, 1 bhangi and washerman.
3. The building in question has 2 floors and 1 ground floor. The top floor
is for the use of the females, the 1st for males and the ground floor for the dispensary
and the staff.
4. The system of conservancy employed and method of disposal of sewage
were as usual.
5. Water was derived from the water-pipes.
G. The building was disinfected by phenyle, and carbolic powder was sprinkled
on each floor and ward,
7. The dead were disposed of by their friends in the ordinary way, according
to Mohamedan customs and rites.
8. There was no sickness and mortality amongst the staff of the hospital.
As the whole arrangement was native, I am unable to give all information
required, I therefore beg to be excused.
MOHAMED MIA,
1st July 1899.
Manager, Meman Wada Hospital.
TABLE I.—Total admissions during the year.
Months.
29-1-99
8-2-99
17-2-99
11-3-99
Plague.
1
1
1
1
4
Relapsing Fever.
......
.
......
Observation cases in-
cluding all General
Diseases.
······
Total.
1
1
1
1
4
MOHAMED MIA,
Manager, Meman Wada Hospital.
1st July 1899.
TABLE II.
Plague
Admission.
Relapsing Fever
...
...
Observation and other diseases
...4
...
...
Deaths.
4
Recoveries.
Percentage
of
Mortality.
MOHAMED MIA,
Manager, Meman Wada Hospital.
1st July 1899.
336
TABLE IV.—All Mohamedans.
Total Admission.
Males
4
Females
Children (under 12 years) ...
Deaths.
4
Recoveries.
......
Percentage
of
Mortality.
......
MOHAMED MIA,
Manager, Meman Wada Hospital.
1st July 1899.
Remarks by
the Special Me-
dical Officer.
The attendance at this hospital was most unsatisfactory.
No. 30.
1. Annual report on the Cutchi Memon Plague
Hospital, commencing from December 1898 up to May
31st, 1899.
2. By tbe combined labour of Haji Yusuf,Haji Sulaiman, and Abdul Wabid, well-
known Merchants in the C. M. Community, and also gentlemen of very high positions,
this hospital came into existence- for the welfare of the plague-stricken patients of their
community, and consequently on the 1st of April 1897, while the plague was raging
very fiercely in the city, this hospital was declared opened by the name of Cutchi Me-
mon Plague Hospital. The original founders and benefactors of this great sympathe-
tic work were subsequently made joint-secretaries in behalf of their community, and
were given powers to receive all donations from the community to meet expenses of
the establishment. The above gentlemen made a very liberal donation of Rs. 500
each, and thus set a noble example for the rest of the community to follow, which
raised the whole amount by donations to the enormous sum of over Rs. 15,000. But
the whole credit is due to the enlightenment and forethought of our learned
Secretaries.
A. Our Committee consists of the following members who are all gentlemen of
high social position and enlightenment. In all there are 24 members, but for the
sake of shortness a few important names are only given here.
1. Haji Abdul Satar (J.P.)
2. Adamji, Haji Mohamed.
3. Haji Maki, Haji Abubakar.
4. Khan Bahadur Haji Abdur Rahman.
5. Haji Jan Mohamed Haji Mohamed Zackria.
6. Haji Hassan Tayab.
7. Haji Ismail, Haji Ishaq.
8. Haji Haji Ibrahim (J.P.)
9. Haji Wahid Danna Haji Kashim.
10. Haji Tor Mohamed Haji Baba.
11. Haji Mahomed Haji Esmail (J.P.)
337
B. Medical Officere.
There being a very small number of patients in the hospital this year, the
establishment was kept only to meet the requirements of the time and consisted of as
follows:—
1 Medical Officer.
2 Compounders for night and day duty.
4 Ward-boys.
2 Ayas.
1 Cook.
1 Assistant Cook or (Mait).
1 Sub-Manager and General Supplier.
2 For Miscellaneous Work.
1 Sweeper.
1 Dhobi.
1 Peon.
2. The servants were not admitted into the hospital this year, as was the
case last year ; also in cases of the well-to-do, the patients were isolated in a separate
room.
3. The hospital building was the Jamat Khana which has been very kindly
lent by the whole community for the purpose. Therefore, no separate shed or
a new building was contemplated. The building itself is very large, airy, and
gives a full play of light inside all the wards and surroundings. Indeed, there could
not have been a better place than this for the reception of plague-stricken cases.
It contains four large wards for the accommodation of male, female, convalescent,
and observation cases separately. As many wards are also available downstairs in
time of emergency. There is also a separate room for the office and dispensary ;
servant's quarters and contact sheds cover one corner of the hospital.
4. Conservancy.—Latrines for servants and for the patients have been separated,
and great care was taken in the disposal of sewage, which was thoroughly disinfected
by disinfecting powder before being thrown away, and all clothes belonging to patients
were carefully disinfected by liq. hydrarg, perchlor, before being given to the dhobie
for washing. Some of the clothes were burnt and others thoroughly fumigated by
sulphur and kept separate for use.
5. Water has been used from the same, and one pipe attached to the building,
but no complaint has been known arising from this source.
6. Phenyle was constantly used in the wards and all surroundings in the hos-
pital for disinfection purposes. We also took care to use disinfecting powder round
the patient's bed, &c. We did not send any clothes to disinfecting station, as we did
not see any necessity for so doing.
7. All the dead in the hospital were disposed of in the ordinary way by their
relations and friends. Their beddings and blankets being burnt immediately
afterwards.
8. Of all the patients, male or female, admitted in this hospital, none of them
were inoculated by Dr. Haffkine's serum.
9. There was no sickness of any nature among the staff of hospital, although
we used to mix freely with the plague patients, and without any great precaution or
reserve.
10. I send herewith all the tables required, carefully compiled.
338
11. About the symptoms of the disease on the whole, I can only say that they
were more acute in subjects of plethosric temperament and mild in weak cases, where as
the former patients succumbed in many cases owing to the severity of the symptoms ;
the latter cases lingered on till recovered. Therefore, it will be not misleading to say
that in robust health death was almost certain, while the debilitated state of health
always proved a favourable ground and good chance of recovery.
12. Ice.—I cannot speak too highly about it. This being so, indispensable in
reducing the temperature of the patient in a very short time, and bringing uncon-
scious patients to their senses. If there is any specific treatment for bubonic fever
I can say very boldly it is the Ice, and a system of mild treatment and low diet.
13. About the Buboes.—Most of them have occurred in the groins, very few
coming in the axilla,
14. Period of Convalescence.—With the exception of two or three cases who
wero convalescents for fifty or sixty-days, all others were discharged as cured
within a month from the date of admission into the hospital.
15. We had only two plague cases complicated with pneumonia, * both of
whom recovered. I have had never a case of mumps mistaken for plague.
16. There was only one case kept under observation.
17. We never tried the curative sorum as Roux and Lustig in our hospital.
N. A, MHAR,
Medical Officer in charge.
29th June 1899.
TABLE I.—Total admission during the year.
December
January
February
March
April
May
Months.!
3898
1899
,,
,,
,,
,,
Total
.
.
,
•
1»·
Plague.
6
6
4
4
4
24
Relapsing
fever.
.
.
.
•
•
Observation
cases includ-
ing all Gen-
eral Diseases.
Total.
6
6
4
4
4
24
Remarks.
TABLE II.
Plague
Diseases.
...
···
Total
Admissions.
24
24
Deaths.
10
10
Recoveries.
14
14
Percentage
of
Mortality.
41·6
41·6
Remarks.
* The cases were never examinee! bactereologically, but were simply diagnosed as such by the physical
signs then present.
339
TABLE III.—Plague Cas.es.
Mouths.
December 18 9£
January 1899
February ,,
March
„
April
„
May
„
Total
, t
»
Total
Admission.
6
6
4
4
4
24
Died
within 24
Hours.
1
3
1
1
1
7
Died
within 48
Hours.
1
1
2
Total
Deaths,
1
3
2
2
2
10
Total
Recoveries.
5
3
2
2
2
14
Percentage
of
Death.
16-6
50
50
50
50
Remarks
* I died af-
ter 6 days
from
the
date of ad-
mission.
TABLE IV.
Males ...
Females
...
.·.
Children (cinder 12 years)
Total ...
Total
Admissions.
19
5
24
Deaths.
9
1.
10
Recoveries.
10
4
14
Percentage
of Death.
47·3
20
..
Remarks.
TABLE V.—Table showing the Mortality for the year amongst Sexes and Children.
Total mortality
for the Year.
10
Mortality amongst
the Men.
9
Mortality amongst
the Women.
1
Mortality amongst
Children all under
12 years of age.
...
Remarks.
.«»
TABLE VI,—Table showing the Situation of Buboes.
(situation.
Cervical ...
Parotid . . .
R. Axillary
L. „
R. Femoral
L
R. Inguinal
L
Other situations
No Buboes
Multiple buboes
Total
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Total No.
of Cases.
1
1
13
G
1*
2f
24
Males.
1
1
9
5
1
2
19
Females.
4
1
5
Mortality.
1
4
5
10
Recovery.
1
9
1
1
2
14
Percentage
of Death.
30·6
83·
......
Remarks.
* R.Poplitial
space.
+ On hand
and ankle ·
TABLE VII.—Table showing Pneumonic Plague (without Buboes).
Males
Females
Children
...
...
...
...
...
...
Admitted.
Nil.
,,
,,
Died.
Nil.
,,
,,
Recovered.
Nil
,,
,,
Percentage
of death.
Remarks.
340
TABLE VIII.—Table showing Cases of Secondary Plague Pneumonia
(complicated with Buboes.)
Males
Females
Children
Admitted.
2
Died. Recovered.
2
Percentage,
of Death.
······ ......
Remarks.
No. 31.
Khatri Mahomedan Hospital, Bapoo Khote Street.
Report on the working of the Khatri Mahomedan Plague Hospital for the
period—1st February to 15th June 1899.
2. History.—The Hospital was founded on the 1st April 1897, by the Jamat
of the Khatri Mahomed ans. It is since then in working order, and is opened during
recrudescence each year of the epidemic, and closed temporarily when the disease
abates. The following comprises the Hospital Board :—
(a) Hajee Ebrahim Hoosein, J.P., Chairman.
(b) Khan Shab Hajee Isak Hajee Isa.
(c) Hajee Ebrahim Rehimtoola.
(d) flajee Oosman Sooleman.
(e) Mr. Oomar Jaffer, Secretary.
Hospital Establishment.
(a) Dr. M. N. Disana, L. M. & S., Honry. Medical Officer,
(b) One Hospital Assistant (unqualified).
(c) Two Native Nurses or " Dhayis."
(d) Six Ward-boys.
(e) One Cook, one S\veeper, one Dhobie.
The Hospital Board in all their deliberations were guided and assisted by
Mr. Budrudin Abdulla Kur, J.P., Chairman of the Committee in the District.
Expenses.—The expenses in connection with the hospital are defrayed out of
Jamat funds to which the members of the Hospital Board are large contributors,
3. Building.—The hospital building is originally a Jamat Khana, i.e., a place
or hall whereon religious and other great occasions, the Mahomedans of the Khatri
community meet and dine. It comprises a ground floor and three upper floors.
The ground floor is utilized for miscellaneous purposes, such as kitchen, disinfecting
room, store room, and for accommodation of servants. The first floor is utilized as
the observation ward, the second the male ward, and the third the female ward.
Each of these wards is capable of accommodating 12 beds, and is well ventilated.
No dispensary is attached to the hospital, but all medicaments are supplied by the
Hony. Medical Officer from his own Dispensary. Attached to the hospital is a
segregation house where contacts are removed, except those who are allowed to stay
as nurses by the patient. This segregation house is situated at Nagdevi Street
and is in charge of Mr. B. A. Kur, Chairman of the District Committee.
4. Conservancy.—Each bed is supplied with a bed-pan, and the sweeper who
is constantly present on the premises, removes the excreta at once and disposes of them
under directions of the Municipal Health Inspector. Servants and contacts are
supplied with chamber pots placed on the ground floor. In 1897, when 1 applied
to General Gatacre's Committee for the construction of suitable closets, the above
was the arrangement recommended for adoption after inspection of the building by
the Committee.