GENERAL REPORT.
ix
very profitably employed in quietly, and without annoying or alarming the
people, making special enquiries of this sort with a view to discover whether
the work done during the previous season has been really as exhaustive
as it ought to be, and to determine to what extent the people are actually
protected from small-pox.
Quality of vaccina-
tions.
Vaccinations per vac-
cinator
23. It is very satisfactory to observe that the high standard of success
hitherto attained in these circles has been maintained. The percentage of
successful cases amounted to 99.73 against 99.58, and Dr. Goopta's inspections
more than proved the reality of this success. The result is rightly attributed
to the invariable adoption of the arm-to-arm system of vaccination; for on
no other system, and not without very scrupulous care in practising it, is the
result attainable. Each vaccinator performed 2,967 operations against 1,452
in 1871-72, or nearly twice as many. Part of this increase must be credited
to the 24 apprentices; but after accounting for their work a very material
and satisfactory difference remains. The cost of the circles, notwithstanding
the increase of establishment, fell from Rs. 34,935 to Rs. 31,797, and the
average cost of each successful case from ans. 6-1 to ans. 1-10. This was
due to the saving effected under the head of the Superintendent's pay and
house-rent.
Resistance to vacci-
nation by Fera-
zees.
24. Dr. Goopta's report describes minutely the proceedings of the three
circles. A sensible plan of operations was prepared by Dr. Cayley and approved
by Government, and the scheme of work so projected has been fully realized.
The areas undertaken have been exhaustively vaccinated with the exception of
some Ferazee communities, and an impression has been made on these. A
similar difficulty has been encountered on a larger scale by the Superintendent
of the Dacca circle where Ferazee communities are more numerous. If these
colonies of recusants are isolated by thorough vaccination being performed all
round, then there is not much risk of small-pox breaking out among them.
With tact and perseverance they will, no doubt in time, yield like their neigh-
bours to the arguments and importunities of the vaccinators. Dr. Goopta's
remarks on the subject of keeping the local civil authorities informed of intended
and actual operations and securing their aid and co-operation, are sensible. I
am decidedly of opinion that no vaccination should be undertaken in any part
of the province without making the local civil authorities fully acquainted with
what it is proposed to do, and it is equally desirable that they should also be
informed regarding what has been done after the proposed work has been
accomplished. Unless this is done, the local authorities cannot be expected to
take that interest in vaccine operations which is so essential, nor render the aid
and support which are so useful.
Obstacles less for-
midable
25. The obstacles to the prosecution of work were not so formidable as
in the previous season. Sickness interfered somewhat with work, but less
than might have been feared. Deputy Superintendents should, in future,
provide themselves with a full supply of quinine and other useful medicines,
and distribute them as circumstances demand through the agency of head
vaccinators. The superintendent will be instructed to this effect. Obstacles
in the form of floods, sickness, &c., must, however, always be liable to interfere
with vaccination, and these things should be taken into account in making
vaccine plans and forecasts.
The feeling regard-
ing vaccination im-
proving.
26. It is satisfactory to find that the feeling of the people regarding
vaccination is improving. The moral effect of the extension of Act IV of 1865
to these circles has been a great aid to vaccination. In a few years it is hoped
that all prejudice and opposition will vanish, and as the people become habitu-
ated to vaccination, they will come to consider it necessary. The advantage of
surrounding the metropolis with a ring of protection, and prohibiting inocula-
tion throughout this area, cannot be over-estimated. It is also satisfactory to
find that some inoculators are coming forward to be instructed in vaccination,