( 4 )
17. PARAS. 40-43.—The attention of the superintendents and others
engaged in vaccination may very profitably be directed to the facts regarding
the sex, caste, and age of the vaccinated, summarised, by the Inspector-General
of Hospitals.
18. PARAS. 44-45.—The Lieutenant-Governor has already expressed his
anxiety to see the inoculators trained and employed, and will consider any
scheme which the Inspector-General may lay before him for furthering this
end. Some special provision might be made in next budget for the training
of greater numbers of these men.
19. The whole question of inoculation is now under consideration, and
the Inspector-General will have further opportunities of expressing his views.
20. PARAS. 46-47.—The vaccine census attempted under Dr. Brown's
instructions has been noticed above. The general results are shown at page 74
of the report. The classes of persons examined were chiefly school children,
prisoners in jails, dispensary patients, and in one or two instances small sections
of the general population (shop-keepers, and so on). On the whole, probably a
fair idea of the condition of the people as regards protection may be gathered
from these tables, though it would be desirable to have more detail and preci-
sion in future years. The results go to show that about 75 per cent. on the
average of those examined were inoculated, notwithstanding which a very large
percentage (as high as 50 per cent. in some places) had had small-pox; while
the numbers unprotected are also very large, running up here and there even
to over 50 per cent. Vaccination had protected very few adults, but had here
and there protected a fair percentage of children.
21. The opening of the Dacca circle of vaccination has been sanctioned
with effect from the beginning of the current season.
22. The Lieutenant-Governor agrees in the summary of the year's opera-
tions given by Inspector-General. Of the inadequacy of the present vaccine
establishments there can unfortunately be now no doubt. The census has
made this more palpable than before. But the means which Government has
are limited; and if Bengal is ever to be thoroughly vaccinated, it must be by the
gradual diffusion of correct views, leaving the people to supply it for themselves.
Government will meantime do what it can to overcome prejudice, and afford
systematic protection to selected tracts as examples to which the people may
look. Compulsory vaccination is as yet not to be thought of.
23. The Lieutenant-Governor has again to acknowledge the care with
which the Inspector-General has reviewed the working of one of the most
important departments under his charge.
By order of the Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal,
A. MACKENZIE,
Offg. Secretary to the Govt. of Bengal.
No. 4549.
COPY forwarded to the Inspector-General of Hospitals, Indian Medical
Department, for information and guidance.
No. 4550.
COPY forwarded to the Commissioner of Police, with special reference to
paragraph 7.
Circular No. 53.
COPY forwarded to all Commissioners of Divisions for information, with
special reference to paragraphs 9 and 16.
By order of the Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal,
A. MACKENZIE,
Offg. Secretary to the Govt. of Bengal.
CALCUTTA,
The 9th October 1872
S. J. D'S.