GENERAL REPORT.
Mr. Molony's proposal to attach inoculators to circles, give them during the
period of their training a subsistence allowance, and then permit them to
settle among the people as licensed vaccinators, is in entire accord with my
own views. The second object is being tried in several districts.
Prohibition of inocu-
lation.
" 7. There is a general feeling that, quite apart from the harm which the
practice causes, it is a necessary condition of the success of vaccination to
prohibit and suppress inoculation. As regards the "circles," this has pro-
bably been done as far as it is possible at present to go; but I think that
Act IV of 1865 might advantageously be extended to many municipalities and
stations where a sufficient vaccine agency already exists, or might easily be
provided. Thus the plan of establishing and multiplying nuclei of really ex-
haustive and good vaccination might be more generally adopted; Civil
Surgeons, Sub-Assistant Surgeons or Native Doctors, as the case might be,
performing the duty of supervising the proceedings of the vaccinator or vacci-
nators.
Flying parties for
stamping out small-
pox.
" 8. Another good suggestion is made by some of the reporters, which I
have also noticed in my last annual report,—namely, holding a few vaccinators
at the disposal of superintendents of vaccine circles, as a flying party to cope
with outbreaks of small-pox. This would secure a double advantage. The
regular work of circles would not be disturbed, and the important duty of
"stamping out" small-pox might be effectively attended to."
64. Holding to the views thus expressed, I shall briefly consider their
practical applications to the circumstances of each division and district.
Burdwan division
Burdwan division.—The districts of Burdwan, Hooghly, and Howrah, be-
long to the metropolitan circles. Hooghly and Howrah have been fairly
vaccinated and await the gradual realization of the second aim of circle
vaccination—to organize a settled staff which will maintain every part of these
districts annually and thoroughly vaccinated. This will be a work of time
and gradual realization. Burdwan has not been as yet thoroughly vaccinated
once, but if fever does not interfere, this season ought to suffice for the comple-
tion of the work already commenced. Municipal vaccination in Burdwan
has been a miserable failure during the last two years. Dr. French intends to
remedy this next season. The Civil Surgeons of Midnapore and Bancoorah
have succeeded in getting inoculators to practise vaccination. This agency
requires the most careful watching and guiding. Dr. Mathew has obtained
special aid and encouragement, and this should I think be renewed. Mr. Con-
nolly should, I think, get a tent and the aid of a vaccine inspector. A system
of rewards to the most successful vaccinators would also be an encouragement.
Presidency division.
Presidency division.—24-Pergunnahs and Nuddea are within the Metro-
politan circles and the remarks made with reference to Hooghly and How-
rah apply to them. Act IV of 1865 has been extended to the town of
Jessore, and the sudder thannahs should be systematically and exhaustively
vaccinated, if possible. Centres of vaccination should also be set up at sub-
divisional head quarters and branch dispensaries. Eventually it may be
feasible to include Jessore in the area of the metropolitan circles.
Rajshahye division.
Rajshahye division.—The districts of Dinagepore, Maldah, Rajshahye, Rung-
pore and Bograh, are within the Darjeeling circle. I have nothing to add to
the remarks which I offered regarding the work of this circle in last year's
report. The Commissioner, and superintendent of Vaccination agree with
me as regards the principles there laid down, and there remains nothing now,
but their realization either by taking up one district or part of a district
and vaccinating it thoroughly. The districts of Moorshedabad and Pubna
would fall under the second of the principles laid down above.