93
No money given
in Hospital
No money wan ever given to patients while still in hospital or to hospital
contacts (attending friends of the sick) till discharged from the camps. The
attendant friends were supported, if poor, with free rations. This rule was ab-
solutely necessary to prevent corruption amongst the ward-boys, &c., who might
otherwise obtain a share of the patient's relief money.
Extra rations.
Extra Rations,—In consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of each hos-
pital, steps were taken to give extra cooked rations to all weak convalescents, and
even to patients, when allowed. Mutton and chicken broths, mutton, chicken,
curry, soups, &c., &c., were thus supplied to those whose caste permitted meat
diet, and many convalescents from plague, at first too weak and miserable to
walk, much less to work, have been sent out well and strong. Mahabeo Ranu-
man was a Purdesi hawker of kerosine, who was admitted to the Arthur Road
with plague on 7th December 1898, and Shripati Gunput was a goldsmith from
Karad, who was admitted to the same hospital on 26th December 1898. These
two men recovered from plague, but lingered on far too weak to be discharged.
The Fund thereupon supplied them with extra and special rations, and they
regained their strength slowly but surely. The former was discharged on 18th
February 1899, the latter not till 5th March 1899, but both were now healthy
and strung and fit for work.
• Special kitchen
in Maratha Hospi-
tal for meat, &c.
In the Maratha Hospital—an excellent and popular institution—a kitchen
was established for the Fund in a separate and isolated building and special cooks
engaged. Here all extra rations made from mutton or chicken are cooked. I
enquire personally on my daily round what convalescents would like meat rations,
and if the doctor agrees, rations are permitted, and I enquire of the patient
daily whether he has received his extra food. The kitchen cooks and rations are
all paid for from the Fund. At the Arthur Road, the ordinary hospital kitchens
supply whatever is required in this way. Like our poor in England, Maratha and
other Hindus of caste eat mutton if they can afford it, a very raro circumstance.
Rations of meat are, therefore, looked upon as a great boon and the Government
is blessed for its benevolence.
Biscuits.
Biscuits.—A great many sick persons and many convalescent women and children
are unable to take much of any bread, so, by means of the Fund, the hospitals have
been kept supplied with large tins of " milk" and other plain biscuits made by Hindu
bakers. Strict supervision is maintained to ensure that the patients get the biscuit.
Oranges.
Oranges.—A contract was made with a fruit merchant at Kampti, who sent
twice a week 200 oranges delivered here at the rate of Us. 3 per hundred. This was
increased later on to 200 oranges daily ; and finally, since March 15th, to 300 daily.
The distribution of this fruit amongst the convalescents and amongst such patients
as are allowed thorn, besides being exceedingly good for them, gives more pleasure
and is more popular than any other measure undertaken for the relief of the patients.
Method of deli-
vering goods at
vaiious hospitals.
Method of delivering goods at the various Hospitals.—In the Elphinstone College
a spare room has been reserved for a sort of Depot where are kept, under lock and
key, a large supply of tins of biscuits, blankets, cheap toys, &c., &c., and here
are laid out the oranges as they arrive. Every day a bullock carriage (rekla) hired
at the rate of Rs. 1-4 per day, leaves the College at 2 p.m. and deposits at the
various hospitals whatever is ordered. The goods for each hospital are entered
in a driver's book and are labelled. The oranges are counted out into special bags
—for the number required in each hospital is roughly known—and they and
the other goods are received by the man in charge of the hospital office, are signed
for in the book, and are kept in the office unopened till I arrive next morning.
Oranges are distributed every other day. They are then more appreciated and
not looked upon as a right or ordinary ration.