8
REPORT ON VACCINATION IN ASSAM.
Expenditure.
22. In Table No. VI. is detailed, in rather a complex and
minute form, the cost of vaccination in Assam.
Taken as a whole.
23. The number and classes of the subordinate operators at each station, and for the
district, the period during which they have been sanctioned
and actually employed, their rates of pay and the amount
disbursed, are all noted at length in the first columns. As any of these points which are
peculiar will be brought out in the review of each district report, it will be more convenient
to mention here merely the total expenditure under the heads of Government, Municipal,
and Local Fund vaccinators, with the average cost of each successful operation during the
past season.
Details.
Salaries
Travelling allowances increase.
24. The Government charges were Rs. 4,802-11-0 for pay, and Rs. 2,546-13-9
travelling allowance; total Rs. 7,349-8-9.
In 1884-85 the
figures were Rs. 4,317, Rs. 1,603, and Rs. 5,920, respectively.
The increase of pay, Rs. 485, is due to additional native inspectors at Darrang (sanc-
tioned by Chief Commissioner's No. 7,737, dated 22nd
November 1884), at Cachar (sanctioned by No. 5,492, dated
18th September 1885), and at Sibságar (sanctioned by No. 1,495, dated 3rd March
1886). The extraordinary increase, to travelling allowance
will be duly noticed in those districts, particularly the
Khási Hills, where the excess has been very marked. On the whole season, the
increase amounts to Rs. 943 over the actuals of 1884-85, without any adequate cause
being shown. It seems desirable that the budget allotment under this head should be
more closely scrutinised; and that, if exceeded, sanction should only be given on full and
satisfactory explanation. Increase of pay for native inspectors is fully met by increased
quality and protection; but the increase of travelling allowance is a charge on vaccination
which swells the average cost without definite benefits.
Share of cost borne by the municipali-
ties
25. The share of expenditure borne by municipalities has decreased this year by
a sum of Rs. 50. Rs. 150 was paid to the Hospital-
Assistant of the Sylhet Dispensary for inspection. On
reference to the Annual Report for 1884-85, paragraph 135, it will be observed that I take
strong exception to this grant. It is not properly earned; and, the Hospital-Assistant
being himself a member of the municipality, is objectionable on general grounds.
By Local Fund grants.
26. The most satisfactory feature of the accounts is the material advance in budget
allotments and actual expenditure on vaccination under the
head of Local Funds; due to the impulse given in Chief Com-
missioner's Resolution on the Local Board's Budget of 1884-85, paragraph 3, which is now
coming into effect. This class of operators was increased from 40 to 70, and the payments
under this head from Rs. 2,682 to Rs. 4,847-8-10.
Summary
27. Summing up the totals, the expenditure on vaccination during 1885-86
amounted to Rs. 12,978-2-3, compared with Rs. 9,433 in
1884-85; the total number of successful operations which
were performed by paid agency was 83,277, compared with 66,793 last season, and the
average cost in each year 2 annas 5¾ pies and 2 annas 7 pies.
28. If the total of vaccinations be made to include work by licensed vaccinators,
by garden doctors and others, the total successful is 108,992, and the average cost 1 anna
10¾ .pies.
29. These are highly satisfactory results, regard being had to the superior
protective value of the vaccination, which has been established under adequate inspection
since 1884-85.