NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
51
6. In the Native States three additional Vaccinators were at work during the last
four or five months of the year. Formerly one man used to work in Loonawara and
Ballasinore, and draw pay from both States in equal portions; but in October last,
Major Barton, after considerable trouble, succeeded in inducing the Babee of Ballasinore
to entertain a Vaccinator for his State alone. The Rajahs of Loonawara and Barrea
are both minors ; and Government in Resolution No. 3380, dated 19th October 1869,
sanctioned the appointment of a second Vaccinator in each of these States. Excluding
Rajpeepla and Chota Oodcypoor, the average area of each Vaccinator's district in the
Native States is now about 500 square miles. Rajpeepla is no less than 4,500 square
miles, but the Rajah will not sanction more than two Vaccinators. He has been asked
to do so oftener than once, but he has always declined ; and on the last occasion he ex-
pressed a desire that both the present men should be dismissed, and one man appointed
in their stead. There is only one Vaccinator in Chota Oodeypoor, the area of which is
said to be 3,000 square miles.
Age.
7. I have all along paid great attention to the subject of age, and I now believe
that the returns arc as accurate in that respect as it
is possible to get them. It is extremely difficult to
ascertain the ages correctly, as the parents can give little information, and the Vac-
vinators have almost always to judge solely from the appearance of the children, many
of whom are vaccinated when about twelve months old. In 1868 the percentage of
vaccinations under one year of age was in the Punch Mahals 42, and in the Native
States 32 ; during the past year the figures are the same in the Punch Mahals, and in
the Native States 28. In this Circle there is now little or no objection made to
infantile vaccination ; and in the neighbourhood of the Kusba towns, where the Vac-
cinators reside during the rains of each year, almost all the operations are performed
during infancy. Of the children inspected by me while on tour, the percentage under
one year was Punch Mabals 42.2, and Native States 33.4. Adult vaccination has
never been practised in this Circle ; in the months of November, December, January,
and February, while inspecting the children, I took a note of the number vaccinated
above 10 years of age, and found it to be less than one per cent. of the whole-
Sex.
8. Of the total vaccinations 50.3 per cent. were males and 49.7 per cent.
females. In 1868 the percentage of females was
48.4. These figures are, I believe, correct.
Caste.
9. As regards caste the percentages are as follows :—Christians 0, Hindoos 93.9,
Mussulmans 40, Parsees 0., and other castes 1.9.
Caste does not affect vaccination in any way. Chris-
tians and Parsees are few and far between in this Circle.
Per cent. of Success.
10. According to the returns 92.5 per cent. of the operations were successful,
4.0 per cent. unsuccessful, and the remainder doubt-
ful. Of the children inspected by me, 93 per cent.
had been successfully vaccinated, and the majority of them had three good cicatrices on
each arm.
56
further increase in the amount of work done. With other two or three Vaccinators,
I believe vaccination in the Native States would soon be as thorough as it is in the
Punch Mahals.
Never saw a case of Syphilis
resulting from impure Lymph.
19. I have altogether inspected the arms of 16,573 children during the four
years I have held my present appointment, and
have never seen a case of syphilis resulting from the
use of impure lymph.
PRESIDENCY CIRCLE.
Local Superintendent.—Sub-Assistant
Surgeon Anunta Chandroba.
Establishment.—Six Vaccinators (Government).
Population 816,562. Total cost, Rs. 6,730. Average cost of each successful
vaccination, 1 rupee 1 anna and 11 pies.
Years.
1868
1869-70 .......
Total
Vaccinated.
10,757
9,222
Compared with the
preceding year.
Increase.
......
......
Decrease.
......
1,535
Successfully
Vaccinated.
8,149
6,002
Percentage of
Successful.
83.7
84.0
Causes of Decrease.
The total number vaccinated during the year under report amounted to 9,222,
being 1,535 less than the number operated upon
during the preceding year. The great prevalence of
small-pox, measles, and fevers amongst the children could not but cause such a consi-
derable lessening in the number vaccinated. Small-pox alone carried away some 1,725
in the course of the year, and must have protected a great many more. It has been
found from past experience that an outbreak of small-pox has been the signal for
hundreds to flock to the vaccine stations, and the numbers vaccinated bore a direct
ratio to the extent and severity of the epidemic. This being the case, the total number
vaccinated during the past year should have at least equalled, if not exceeded, the
number for 1868, seeing that the epidemic was both extensive and severe. This, I am
sure, would have been the case, had it not been for circumstances which, from their
very nature, could not but materially influence the result. Whilst small-pox was
decimating the children in all directions, measles and fever, both of a very severe
type, were not less active. The deaths from the former amounted to 477; the
latter carried away from amongst the children alone, ranging from seven months to four
years, no less than 1,316 individuals. So, what with small-pox, measles, and fevers,
there was scarcely time, in many instances, to have recourse to vaccination. Small-pox
raged most violently during the first half of the year—at a time, too, when we were
62
be taken from their successfully vaccinated children, not caring to know that at
that rate vaccination would have to cease altogether. This antipathy to allow lymph to
be taken was in some cases so very powerful as to make some persons forego the benefits
of vaccination and keep their children unprotected, rather than get them vaccinated
and be then required to give lymph from them. In animal vaccination we have
now provided to us the means of producing a supply of lymph, the purest and most
effective, to an unlimited extent. Each successfully inoculated heifer can give us
lymph enough to vaccinate a hundred persons. Many have seen this, and have seen
also that, having thus an independent supply of lymph, children with lymph are not
molested, and, thus re-assured, have not hesitated to bring their children to the stations
to be vaccinated. This in itself is not a trifling advantage. It will smooth the way
considerably for the quiet carrying out of the proposed Vaccination Act. Backed by an
Act, animal vaccination cannot fail to put an end to epidemics of small-pox in
Bombay.
Conduct of Vaccinators.
5. The subordinates have given me every satisfaction, and their conduct and
assistance in connection with animal vaccination is
deserving of praise.
Never saw Syphilis communi-
cated by Vaccination.
6. So far as my observation and experience go—and they are both extensive,
extending over a period of some twenty years—I have
never seen syphilis communicated by vaccination.
63
VACCINATION UNDER CIVIL SURGEONS AND OTHERS.
POONA.
One Government Vaccinator under the Civil Surgeon, Surgeon Major LORD, M.D.
Population (portion of Poona) 30,000. Total cost Rs. 192. Average cost of each
vaccination, 1 anna and 11 pies.
Years.
1868
1869-70
Total
Vaccinated.
1,641
1,565
Comparcd with the
proceding year.
Increase.
...........
...........
Decrease.
...........
76
Success-
fully
Vaccinated.
1,387
1,323
Percentage
of Success,
excluding
Unknown.
...........
85.0
Report.—Vaccination is performed at the Sassoon Hospital, and under the Civil
Surgeon of Poona by Assistant Vaccinator Bapoo Narayen (General No. 44). The ex-
tent of his charge and estimated population (30,000) were described in last annual report.
His salary has been fixed at Rs. 16 a month, or Rs. 192 a year, which is the total
cost of the vaccinations performed; there being as yet no Peon allowed, and
lancets and paper, &c. are supplied from those drawn for the Sassoon Hospital
expenditure. The Vaccinator is paid entirely by Government. The Municipality keep
up Vaccinators of their own, who are not now under the superintendence of the Civil
Surgeon. The average cost of total vaccinated by the Assistant Vaccinator in the last
year was rather less than annas 2 for each operation, and annas 2 and pies 4 for every
successful case. The increased or revised scale of pay now allowed to the Vaccinator,
and a decrease in the number of vaccinations, are the reasons why the average cost
is slightly higher than in former years.
Remarks-—1st. There has been a slight decrease in the number vaccinated com-
pared with the preceding year. The proportion of successful cases is about the same.
2nd. There has been no variation deserving of special remark in the general progress
of vaccination. 3rd. The lymph has been good and abundant, and supplies of it
have been at all times forwarded to Medical Officers requesting it. 4th. The Vaccina-
tor has been regular and attentive in the performance of his duties. 5th. He
requires the assistance of a Peon, which is given in all other Civil Hospitals to which
Vaccinators are attached. In Mr. Peile's revision three Peons are specified for Hospitals
that have Vaccinators. There are but two now allowed on the establishment of the
64
Sassoon Hospital. 6th. Small-pox existed in Poona and its vicinity from January
till May last year. Judging from our Hospital returns, it was most prevalent in January
and March, and declined after the latter month. There has been none this year. The
want of a separate ward or an Hospital for small-pox and other inflections diseases is
very much felt at Poona. This was noticed in the last yearly report; but, so far as I
am aware, no effective steps have been taken to supply the want either in the Canton-
ment or for the Station generally.
SHOLAPOOR.
One Government Vaccinator under the Civil Surgeon, Assistant Surgeon G. Y.
HUNTER.
Population 60,000. Total cost Rs. 240. Average cost of each vaccination, 4 annas.
Years.
1868
1869-70
Total
Vaccinated.
671
949
Compared With the
preceding year.
Increase.
......
278
Decrease.
......
......
Successfully
Vaccinated.
585
802
Percentage of
Success,
excluding
Unknown.
......
89.6
The total number of cases vaccinated during the year by the Government Vacci-
nator in the town and out-parts of Sholapoor, as shown in the above table, exhibits an
increase of 278 as compared with the preceding year. During the period under review,
there have been two Vaccinators at work in the town of Sholapoor, and their joint
labours raise the total of vaccination to 1,599. The second Vaccinator is employed by
the Municipality, and furnishes his report thereto. The vaccination is practised conti-
nually in the city, and once a week the children are brought to the Civil Hospital by
the Government Vaccinator for my inspection. In nearly all the cases which came
under my observation, the vesicles were well formed and the lymph of good quality.
The vesicles, though normal in character, were somewhat smaller during the rains than
in the other seasons. The Vaccinator seems willing, diligent, and well behaved, but
often complains of the difficulties he has to contend with from the opposition of the
inhabitants, who do not seem yet to fully appreciate the blessings of this almost certain
preventive against small-pox ; were it otherwise, the number of operations upon children
under one year would be many more than at present among a population of 60,000.
The Lingayet portion of the community are still very averse to vaccination, particularly
the Bunyas and weavers. I am happy to be able to state, however, that no epidemic
occurred during the last year.
65
SHOLAPOOR CHARITABLE DISPENSARY.
Operations performed by Nursoo Goorapah, Third Class Hospital Assistant, in
Medical charge of Dispensary and the Native Medical Pupils.
Population 60,000. No cost.
Years.
1868
1869-70
Total
Vaccinated.
78
201
Compared with the
preceding year.
Increase.
...........
23
Decrease.
...........
...........
Successfully
Vaccinated.
68
164
Percentage
of Success,
excluding
Unknown.
...........
86.3
Vaccination was performed every week on Wednesdays at 10 A.M. by me or the
Native Medical pupils attached to this Dispensary in addition to our other duties.
The increase in the number of operations this year is owing chiefly to the services
of a Peon having been placed at the disposal of the Dispensary in the month of May
1869. The operations were not all done at the Dispensary. The Peon with one of
my Native Medical pupils was occasionally sent out to vaccinate. The result was
then inspected by me at the Dispensary. Vaccination seems to have made pretty good
progress during the year under report. The people, especially the Lingayets, who
form at least one-third of the population of this town, though still reluctant to subject
their children to the operation, are coming out slowly, and becoming sensible of the
advantages of vaccination. The deformities produced by small-pox, which the people
still think is the work of a goddess, have convinced many people of the necessity of
vaccination. Although much is done, still much remains to be done.
2. The lymph in use throughout the year was to all appearance very good.
The resulting vesicles were normal in size and appearance.
3. Measles prevailed in the hot season in the town, but to what extent I have
not been able to ascertain.
4. The present Municipal Vaccinator, Pundhernath Dyanashwer, who now and
then brings the children operated upon by him for my inspection, seems to be a dili-
gent and hard-working man. He has, in addition to the duties in the town, to go to
several small villages within three miles distance of this town.
5. As vaccination was performed by the establishment attached to this Dis-
pensary, the cost, &c. of vaccination itself cannot be properly ascertained.
9 v s
66
DHOOLIA.
One Government Vaccinator under the Civil Surgeon, Assistant Surgeon
G. BAINBRTDGE.
Population 13,277. Total cost Rs. 193. Average cost of each vaccinatino,
3 annas and 1 pie.
Years.
1868
1869-70
Total Vacci-
nated.
878
996
Compared with the
preceding year.
Increase.
......
118
Decrease.
......
......
Successfully
Vaccinated.
710
895
Percentage of
Success.
87.9
89.8
Considering that the population of this place is but slowly, if at all, increasing, I
think these figures indicate a very satisfactory progress, which may be attributed to
the constantly increasing value set upon vaccination by the inhabitants. Vaccination
has been performed twice every week, and the supply of lymph has been uninterrupted
and of good quality. Much less difficulty than heretofore has been experienced in
procuring subjects for vaccination since the appointment of Hospital Peons, one of
whom has always been available to assist the Vaccinator. The Patel of the village
was somewhat irregular during the early part of the year in attending to render aid to
the Vaccinator; but latterly he has given proper assistance, after having been fre-
quently reminded of his duty. Many people are still averse to bring their children for
inspection of the results of the operation. All those, however, who live in the town
are examined without fail, and only a few escape who go away from the place before
the period of maturation of the vesicles is completed. Many of the uninspected cases
go to make up the list of doubtful vaccinations, but most of them would certainly have
been found successful if present for examination. There are still some of the well-to-do
classes of Hindoos who persist in trying every possible prevarication and excuse with
a view to evade the operation, though they seldom absolutely refuse to submit their
children to it.
The conduct of the Vaccinator during the past year has been satisfactory.
The Municipal Commissioners of the town have, in accordance with the desire and
suggestion of Government, sanctioned a charge of Rs. 15 per mensem for the pay
of a Municipal Vaccinator. This expenditure has been estimated for in the Municipal
Budget Estimate for the year 1870-71, and may therefore be commenced from the 1st
April 1870, when the Government will be relieved of the charge for vaccination at this
station. Since the month of November 1869, the Assistant Vaccinator has been in
charge of the Charitable Dispensary lately opened, and has, at the same time, been per-
forming his substantive duties. His pay has been saved during this period.
67
Small-pox was prevalent in the town during the months of April and May; four-
teen cases came under my observation, and I believe that this number embraces almost
all which occurred. Most of these cases were treated at the Civil Hospital either as
in- or out-patients. Two of them—infants—died from bronchitis and sloughing of
the cornea.
NASSICK.
One Government Vaccinator (from 1st April to 1st November) under Honorary
Assistant Surgeon B. BURN.
Population 22,878. Total cost, Rs. 163. Average cost of each vaccination, 5 annas
and 6 pies.
Years.
1868
1869-70
Total
Vaccinated.
1,013
476
Compared with the
preceding year.
Increase.
...........
...........
Decrease.
...........
537
Successfully
Vaccinated.
956
424
Percentage of
Success,
excluding
Unknown.
...........
89.1
Remarks.—The return of vaccination for the past year embraces a period from
the 1st April to the 18th November only, when the Government Vaccinator was
transferred to the Municipality, and the Vaccinator previously entertained by that
body was discharged, leaving a single Vaccinator, paid by the Municipality, for the
town of Nassick. The number vaccinated during this period by the Government
Vaccinator was 476. The percentage of successful cases is 89.1. This rather low
percentage of successful cases is owing chiefly to the children of travellers having
been vaccinated and having left the station before the result could be known, and
the cases marked doubtful. This occurred more frequently during the past than
the preceding year. The lymph throughout the year was good, and the vesicles
characteristic. The conduct of the Vaccinator was good, and gave entire satisfaction.
He appears to be an intelligent man, experienced, and very attentive in the perform-
ance of his duties. The arrangement just completed for the performance of vacci-
nation in Nassick, viz., the employment of one Vaccinator on a slight increase of
salary by the Municipality, is deemed sufficient, and there does not appear to be
any other alteration required at present. Nassick has been entirely free from small-
pox during the past year. Ballajee Bappoojee is the Vaccinator; at first in the
Government Service, now employed by the Municipality. The population amongst
whom the vaccinations were performed amounts to 22,878, and the cost of each
vaccination by the Government Vaccinator amounted to a fraction under 5 annas and
68
6 pies, not including the cost of lancets, which were supplied from the Hospital stores
as required. The number vaccinated by the Municipal Vaccinator during the year
was 509, at a cost of 7 annas and 1 pie each nearly, not including the value of lancets
and stationery, which were supplied by the Superintendent of Vaccination, and the
price is not known. Government paid a Vaccinator at Rs. 10, and subsequently at
Rs. 13 per mensem to the 18th November, and a Peon at Rs. 7 per mensem to the 22nd
December, with Rs. 4-15-0 for stationery, amounting to Rs. 163-0-7. The
Municipality paid a Vaccinator at Rs. 12, and subsequently at Rs. 15 per mensem, with
a Peon at Rs. 6 per mensem, during the year, amounting to Rs. 225.
KULLADGHEE.
One Municipal Vaccinator under the Civil Surgeon, Assistant Surgeon J. SIMP¬
---, M.B.
Population 14,384. Total cost Rs. 122. Average cost of each vaccination,
3 annas.
Years.
1868 ............
1869-70
Total
Vaccinated.
628
651
Compared with the
preceding year.
Increase.
...........
23
Decrease.
...........
...........
Successfully
Vaccinated.
628
651
Percentage
of Success.
100.0
100.0
During the year 1869-70, 651 persons have been vaccinated by the Municipal
Vaccinator, Duttatree Narayen,in a population of 14,384, at Kulladghee and surround-
ing villages, at a total cost of Rs. 122, including pay of Vaccinator and contin-
gencies, at the average cost of about 3 annas for each vaccination, this sum being paid
by the Municipality of Kulladghee. There is a small increase this year as compared
with last year. The Vaccinator informs me that the people are now more willing to
have their children protected, as they see the benefit of it. The state of lymph has
been good : it is kept up by vaccinating from arm to arm.
The conduct of the Vaccinator was good.
There has been no small-pox in the town of Kulladghee ; but the Vaccinator tells
me he has seen a few cases in some of the villages he has visited.
I think a small supply of empty tubes might be issued to the Vaccinator here to
enable him to supply any of the neighbouring Vaccinators with fresh lymph if
required, as it would be kept in a better state in them than on plates.
69
BAGULKOTE.
Operations performed by Amroota Tattia (General No. 460), Third Class
Hospital Assistant, in Medical charge of Dispensary.
Population 12,247. No Cost.
Years.
1868
1869-70
Total
Vaccinated.
113
229
Compared with the
preceding year.
Increase.
...........
116
Decrease.
...........
Successfully
Vaccinated.
102
216
Percentage
of Success,
excluding
Unknown.
...........
94.2
The vaccine operations in the Dispensary were performed by me amongst a popula-
tion of 12,247.
As the operations were performed by me, with the assistance of the Dispensary
Peon and a Police Sepoy, who attends on certain fixed days appointed for this purpose,
and as the lancets, papers, &c. that were used belong to the Dispensary, no separate
charges could be named for vaccination.
2. It must also be observed that even these charges are supplied by the Muni-
cipality. The average cost could not also be computed for the above reason.
3. Comparing the work for the seven months of 1868-69 with that of last year,
there may appear a decrease in the average of about 36 children, and the only cause
of the decrease appears to be, that the Municipality have appointed a separate
Vaccinator from the month of January 1869. That individual goes over the town
as well as the surrounding villages to carry on his operations ; so the people prefer
getting their children vaccinated at home, instead of taking the trouble of attending
the Dispensary.
4. The number of children vaccinated by the Municipal Vaccinator during the
last twelve months amounts to 375, and this sum being added to the number of those
vaccinated in the Dispensary makes a total of 604, which shows that the general
progress is extremely satisfactory.
5. I am very glad to state that the state of the lymph throughout the year was
excellent.
6. There were no cases of small-pox in this town; but I hear that the disease
was prevalent in the neighbouring talookas, especially in Moodebehal and Hoongoond,
during the four months of the hot season.