GENERAL REPORT.
xi
Estimate of the suffi-
ciency.
amounts to 123,790, and of successful operations to 116,848. The population
of the 8 districts included in this circle, amounts to more than 8 ½ millions,
which give—at 30 per 1,000—255,000 births yearly. The successful vaccinations
do not quite amount to one-half of this number. The extent to which they
fall short of what would appear theoretically necessary, varies considerably for
each district. Dr. Lidderdale demonstrates this in his report, but the broad
fact remains that the amount of work done during the past season does not
amount to one-half of what would appear necessary.
Amount of work per
man.
Cost.
32. Notwithstanding the difficulty experienced in recruiting men, each
man gave a high average of work, the Rajshahye and Bograh vaccinators being
conspicuous. The percentage of success is much higher than last year's, and
was more than verified by the superintendent. The cost of the circle was
Rs. 430 in excess of last year's, but owing to the higher ratio of success, the
cost of each successful case was the same.
Quality of vaccina-
tion.
33. The character and success of the work done in different districts
varied. An effort was made to render it more systematic and exhaustive, and
this was better realized than in former years owing to the comparative absence
of small-pox. The greatest number of vaccinations was performed in Raj-
shahye, Rungpore and Bograh, and here also the work was more systematic.
In the other districts, from various causes, the results were not so satisfactory.
The prohibition of
inoculation in Bog-
rah and thannah
Pooteah of Rajsha-
hye recommended.
34. Dr. Lidderdale thinks that Act IV of 1865 might now be extended
safely to the district of Bograh and thannah Pooteah of Rajshahye. A large
amount of vaccination has already been performed in these areas, and the
superintendent considers the regular establishment and the licensed vacci-
nators equal to the maintenance of thorough vaccination. I would suggest
that the matter be referred to the local authorities for report in communication
with the superintendent. The extension of the Act, as proposed, would greatly
facilitate the spread of vaccination.
Small-pox
35. It is satisfactory to find that small-pox was not so prevalent during
the past season as in previous years. Inoculation is still, I fear, largely prac-
tised in these districts, and with serious effect both direct and indirect. Inocu-
lators seem, however, to be more inclined to come forward for instruction in
vaccination, and it would appear that they will experience no difficulty in
realizing fees for their work among the people. They must, however, be very
carefully taught and supervised if they are to constitute a safe and reliable
agency.
Proposal for
in-
structing inocula-
tors.
36. Dr. Lidderdale has submitted proposals to this end which I have
submitted separately for orders. The system of entertaining apprentices on
lower rates has been established, and has proved successful in the Metropoli-
tan circles where the agency is equal to its work. It would be more useful in
the Darjeeling circle where the agency is weak, and where it is desired to
promote localised vaccination.
Superintendence.
37. Dr. Lidderdale's inspections have been characterized by the energy
which has always been apparent in his proceedings. The number of vaccina-
tions seen was large, and considering the size of his circle and the scattered
nature of the work, to have visited each vaccinator betokens very hard work. I
am still of opinion that the more thorough and minute his inspections the better,
and a table such as he submits as the result of such thorough and minute
inspection is a very valuable record. A little inspection thoroughly done is
worth a great deal superficially or hurriedly done. I regret to observe that the
deputy superintendent, Sub-Assistant Surgeon Taruck Nauth Chuckerbutty,
has not merited the approbation of his superintendent. He is about to leave
the vaccine department, and native superintendent Tujummal Hossein, who
has worked very well for years, has been nominated as his successor.