No. 480, dated Shillong, the 22nd June, 1875.
From—J. C. Bow, M.D. Deputy-Surgeon-General, Dacca Circle,
To—The Secretary to the Chief Commissioner of Assam.
WITH reference to your letter No. 1,075, of the 16th March, 1875,I have the honour to
observe that there can be no doubt that the circle system of carrying on vaccination is the
only satisfactory plan. For this Province, exclusive of Kámrúp, the Nága and Gáro Hills,
the requirements would be, approximately, one experienced Assistant-Surgeon as
Superintendent, Shillong his head-quarters; two well-paid vaccinators, who could be
recommended as Deputy-Superintendents; ten head vaccinators, and seventy ordinary.
In addition to this regular establishment, extra vaccinators could be engaged for the
season, if found requisite.
The establishment would give an average of one vaccinator to 42,767 people.
Although Sylhet and Cachar have a population of 1,924,576, against 1,496,845 in
Assam Proper, more than half of the vaccinators would have to be employed in the latter,
as the population per mile is much more scanty, and the ground to be gone over so much
greater; the population in the valley varying from 36 per square mile in Lakhimpur to 123
in Sibságar, whereas in Cachar the number is 166, and in Sylhet 320.
If this scheme be adopted, the details as to the distribution of gangs in the different
districts would rest with the Superintendent. If it be not adopted, I would make the
following recommendations:—
Kámrúp.—At present there is one vaccinator paid by the municipality of Gáuhati, and
there were during the season fifty-five inoculators who practised vaccination in the district.
The number of persons vaccinated is stated to have been 10,001, or within 3,500 of what is
considered full vaccination. Small-pox, however, prevails during the whole year. Two
sepoys died of the disease at Gauháti last month. These ex-inoculators require to be
strictly looked after, and I do not think this could be accomplished unless two good
native Superintendents on Rs. 30 or Rs. 35, including travelling allowance, be allowed ;
these men to be constantly going about among the vaccinators. In addition to this,
the Civil Surgeon should be enabled to go into the district on inspection for at least six
weeks during the season; this might be divided into three trips at different periods. This
would, of course, entail the expense of deputation allowance to the Civil Surgeon, and the
usual pay to the Surgeon acting for him at Gauháti.
Goálpára.—One vaccinator was employed for part of the season; he did very little,
only vaccinating 147 people. There appears to be great objection to vaccination in the
district. But as it has been proved in other Provinces that the strongest objections give
way to steady perseverance, I would recommend four men being allotted to this district;
nine is the proportionate number, but the first number will most probably be found quite
sufficient for all the work there will be for them next season. They ought not to be
made to work singly, but either altogether or two-and-two. The annoyance and
disappointments from opposition is not nearly so much felt as when working alone, and it
has been found that they are thus better able to overcome the prejudices of the people.
Darrang.—Very little done here. 104 persons vaccinated by one man. There does
not appear to be so much opposition as in Goálpára, though the people are said not to be
very favourable. Seven is the proportionate number, but six vaccinators would be enough
in the present temper of the people.
Nowgong.—408 (291 successful) people vaccinated by one man. The prejudices of
the people have not been overcome to any appreciable extent. Inoculation common. Six
vaccinators ought to be employed in this district.
Sibságar.—One man vaccinated 1,438 people (1,391 successfully). This is by far the
best work of the season. I should be inclined to allow six vaccinators to this district, or
one more than the proportionate number.
Lakhimpur.—Five men were employed during the season. They vaccinated 381 each.
Though the number is small, compared with work done in Bengal, Dr. White, the Civil
Surgeon, thinks it satisfactory. I should recommend the same number being employed
again, though one above proportion.
Khási Hills.—To be allowed the two men now employed.
Nága Hills.—The medical officer asks for two vaccinators, but the Political Agent
does not recommend that they should be allowed in the present state of the country.
His suggestion might be carried out, namely, that the compounder, who has been seven
years in the country, and who accompanied Captain Butler in the late expedition, should