MILITARY DEPARTMENT, 18TH MARCH 1890, No. 2026.
Although a good many alterations and improvements have been effected with a view to
making it more comfortable and suitable, still it is not, and never could be made, a good hospital.
When it is considered that provision has to be made for general diseases as well as lying-in
cases, no building short of one specially constructed for the purpose can be satisfactory. In
a station of such a size and extent as Secunderabad there should be a station female hospital in
a suitable and convenient position fitted up with all modern requirements.
The water-supply has been good. The wells from which it is obtained are situated on
ground free from impurities.
MADRAS DISTRICT.
The general health of the troops in this command has been good.
Fort St. George, in which the barracks for British troops stationed in Madras are situated,
is overcrowded, but the barracks themselves have not been so.
The sanitation of the barracks has been well cared for. The Infantry barracks are so
placed that they cannot be perfectly ventilated. The ground floors in these barracks should
not be occupied by troops for any length of time.
The Station Hospital, Madras, is badly situated on account of its proximity to the main
road and the river Cooum, the latter containing much sewage matter. As a building, however,
with the exception of some minor defects, it meets the requirements. Although piping has
been laid down, water has not been supplied to the upper storey.
Under the orders of Government a committee recently assembled to report upon a site
suitable for a new station hospital at Cupid's Bow.
The present hospital contains no quarters for subordinates or hospital attendants.
At Poonamallee the barracks consist of four blocks in two parallel ranges. Various
improvements have been effected in them from time to time, the latest being the removal of
walls enclosing the verandahs and preventing free perfiation of air.
The hospital is a large double-storied building well ventilated. There are no quarters for
the apothecary in subordinate charge nor for the hospital attendants.
The drainage of Poonamallee is fairly good except at the outskirts, where it is indifferent
or completely wanting. Difficulty in drainage is inherent owing to the position. To make it
effectual great expenditure would have to be incurred.
Of St. Thomas' Mount the Senior Medical officer remarks of the north and south barracks
that "their nearness to the hill, bad site and faulty construction have ensured their continued
disease." The ridge ventilation of some of the latrines is insufficient.
Several new drains have been made to carry away surface water, but a more extended
system is required.
The ventilating apertures of the kitchens are insufficient for the egress of smoke. There
are no public quarters for hospital staff and attendants.
NAGPORE DISTRICT.
This report only deals with the force up to the 1st October 1888, from which date it was
transferred from the Madras to the Bombay command.
The general health of the troops has been fairly good.
The "Old barracks" have been occupied by the Royal Artillery and the "New barracks"
by the Middlesex Regiment. No overcrowding has taken place and sanitation has been satis
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factorily maintained. There are plenty of trees between the barrack blocks which afford
requisite shade.
The construction of the garrison prison has been rapidly pushed on. The hospital and sub
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sidiary buildings have been kept in good sanitary condition and there has been no overcrowding.
Deputy Surgeon-General deFabeck reports that the quality of the bread supplied to the
troops has been objected to as being frequently sour, badly baked, and made of inferior flour.
The contractor has been fined.
The water-supply is described as good and abundant.
The following works have been completed during the period under notice :—
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At Kamptee alterations and additions to the British Infantry canteen.
Rebuilding open stone drain from back of armourers' shop to large nullah near rifle
range.
Renewing floors of urinals in British Infantry lines with new concrete and asphalte.
Reroofing latrines of Royal latrines of Royal Artillery guard-rooms and cells.
Reroofing with Allahabad tiles line houses Nos. 1 and 2, Royal Artillery lines.
Reroofing latrines Nos. 1 and 2, Royal Artillery lines, with new timber and Allahabad tiles.
Reroofing passage from guard-room to cells and from cells to latrine.
LOWER BURMA DISTRICT.
The health of the troops has been fair.
Deputy Surgeon-General Donnelly reports that the barracks at Rangoon are well elevated
above the ground, airy, cheerful and well adapted to the nature of the climate, being equally
well protected from sun and rain.
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