REPORT ON VACCINATION IN ASSAM.
17
Results
106. The contrast between the work carried on in the Gáro Hills with that done
in the Khási Hills is very great . Six vaccinators in the
former have an average of 1,270.5 cases; and the total of the
district is 7,637, of which 7,320, or 95.85 per cent., were successful. Although this total
is less than the figures of 1884-85, it is a substantial record, and is creditable to Dr. Gupta's
first year of superintendence. The whole district has now been thoroughly searched,
and Dr. Gupta explains that the numbers are not likely to be maintained in future, as
ground already occupied must next year be gone over again.
Inspection
107. The inspection has also been very good. The Civil Surgeon verified 2,671
cases himself, and reports 92.66 per cent good. Two ripened
pocks, or their scars, were required as the evidence of
ample protection, except in children under one year, in whom one was sufficient.
General remarks.
108. I am pleased to observe also that the vaccination was not desultory and
fitful. The excellent system introduced by Mr. Mc-
Naught of having limited areas completely worked, has been
carried out by his successor. The Gáros have taken kindly to the practice, and render
every possible aid to the operators in its successful performance. Moreover, the practice
of inoculation has entirely ceased in these hills, and there have been no outbreaks
of small-pox attributable to it. There was one epidemic at village Gabul, in which 17
persons were attacked, but the disease was communicated by a family which had
migrated thither from the Khási Hills. The provincial vaccinator was at once ordered
to Gabul, operated on 58 who were unprotected, and arrested the further spread of
the disease.
Lymph supply
109. The periodical supplies of lymph from Darjiling and Dacca were good, the
tubes of English lymph received from the Sanitary Com-
missioner of Assam unusually so.
110. There are no tea-gardens in this district nor any compulsory areas.
Expenditure
111. The cost of this establishment has been moderate, compared with results,
viz., Rs. 462 in salaries and Rs. 374 in travelling allow-
ance, the average being 1 anna 9¾ pies for each success-
ful case. It is all paid from Provincial revenues. Dr. Gupta should bring to notice
the names of his subordinates who have done particularly good work..
112. The registration of the Gáro Hills is limited to Tura station, with a popu-
lation of 744 in 1881. In this community no case of small-pox occurred.
SYLHET.
Superintendence
113. Vaccination in Sylhet has continued throughout the season under the super-
intendence of Dr. J. W. Macnamara, Civil Surgeon. He
has written a full and careful report, which is reviewed by
Mr. Stevenson, Deputy-Commissioner, in his usual able and considerate manner.
Subordinates employed
114. The number of operators was increased from 36 in 1884-85 to 46, viz., 19
in the sadr division, 6 in Sunáinganj sub-division, 5 in
Maulavi Bázár, 10 in Habiganj, and 6 in Karimganj. The
staff comprised 1 Civil Surgeon, 1 native inspector, and 1 assistant native inspector, 10
provincial, 2 municipal, and 21 Local Fund vaccinators, 6 Hospital-Assistants, 3 com-
pounders, and 1 licensed vaccinator. The increase is altogether in the Local Fund class.
Results
115. The result has been a considerable increase on the figures of 1884-85. In that
season the total was 18,818 cases and 18,341, or 97.46,
successful, while in this the aggregate is 25,015 cases, of
which 24,917 were primary and 98 secondary. Among the former 23,529, or 94.42 per
cent., and among the latter 95, or 96.93 per cent., are said to have been successful.
Protective value of "successes" discussed
116. Although this successful proportion is something less than previously, it
is still much greater than obtains elsewhere in Assam,
especially in more manageable districts and under thorough
superior observation. Dr. Macnamara believes such a proportion is reasonable, that it is
supported by the statistics of his hand-book, and is borne out by the results of his
personal inspection. But I must repeat what was entered in last year's report, that
it is inconsistent with general careful observations elsewhere, and even by other operators
at his own doors; that it is unlikely to be maintained under the conditions of new
hands and uncertain lymph so frequently reported by himself as difficulties; and that
such practical objections ought to be his guide, rather than the results of an expert in
more favourable countries and climates with every convenience and aid to the success
of each operation.