2
2. In the table at the head of this report, I have made the requisite alterations,
and, as will be seen, there is an increase in all the establishments except the Govern-
ment one. The total increase, excluding Dispensaries, is 18,933, and the principal
cause of it is no doubt the increase of vaccinators. This however will not account for
the whole of it. In the Government establishment, but for a few months only, there
have been two additional vaccinators, whose total operations amount to 556, and yet
the decrease under this head is 1,592. Again, in September last, an addition of six
was made to the number of Local Funds vaccinators. The number of operations
performed by these men is 6,517, and the increase shown in the above table, is 9,326.
A like result is obtained, on thus comparing the work under the head of Municipalities'
establishment. On the whole, the establishments have worked well during the past
year, and their operations have been satisfactorily performed.
Causes of increase.
3. The continued and steady increase in the number of operations performed in
this Circle, is, I think, due—1stly, to the more extended
use of the Village Return of unprotected children, dis-
closing the whereabouts of subjects for operation ; 2ndly, increased appreciation by
the people of the protective influence of vaccination ; 3rdly, increased interest taken in
the work of the Department by the Civil Authorities; and 4thly, continued exertion
on the part of the greater number of the vaccinators.
4. With regard to the first cause, I think I am right in giving it the first place
in the list. The vaccinators one and all state that their labours are greatly lessened
by it, and that they can perform a larger number of operations, and in a more satisfac-
tory manner, than without such aid. Also that having it by them they can count with
certainty on getting subjects for operation ; a difficulty always experienced, formerly,
by a vaccinator on visiting a village for the first time or on other occasions. These
returns according to the amended form, are now rendered in a very complete state.
I lately received such from the Patun Talooka of the Collectorate of Sattara, giving the
names of no less than 12,696 unprotected children, showing that there is work in that
Talooka (excluding children hereafter born) for the vaccinator for some years to
come. A very considerable increase in the returns of this vaccinator has been the
result, and I anticipate that it will yet be greater. An experience of nearly five years
since the introduction of this form of return, I think, justifies me in recommending
it for adoption as a Departmental one. Of course in a few years the birth registers
will render these returns unnecessary, but at present there are so many unvaccinated
children who were born before the new system of registration came into operation,
that some such arrangement for procuring their names, as I refer to, is necessary.
5. With regard to the second cause, I have no doubt whatever that the people
appreciate vaccination more than formerly. Having joined the Vaccination Department
in the beginning of 1864, I can, from personal observation, speak with considerable
confidence on this point.