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The hospital consists of three wooden structures arranged en echelon; they are
raised 12 feet from the ground and are connected with each other by covered
ways. The ground floors of two of them are of concrete and contain offices, store
- r o o m s a n d s u r g e r y . T h e y c o n t a i n 1 2 5 b e d s . A c c o m m o d a t i o n h a s b e e n s u f f i c i e n t ,
but there are no suitable quarters for hospital subordinates, and this want has been
much felt.
Water has been obtained from the moat. It is conveyed into the moat from
the Nanda lake; the lake itself is fed by streams which flow into it from the Shan
hills and also by a branch from the Naddya river. The supply is reported to have
been sufficient and of good quality. From the moat a channel leads into the
palace which, together with wells situated inside the palace enclosure, supplies
drinking water to this portion of the cantonment.
On a recent analysis the moat water was found to contain an undue amount of
organic matter; its use, however, has not been found to produce injurious results.
A scheme has been projected for bringing water from its source by means of pipes
through filtering beds and, when realised, will be of great advantage.
The drainage has been natural. Cuttings have been made when required to
carry off storm water which has been found to collect in pools in various directions.
Drainage works are now in progress. The conservancy of the Native town is
reported as being at a very low ebb, cleansing being chiefly performed by packs of
dogs, pigs, and birds.
Canteens and coffee-shops have been in existence and supplies in them have
been satisfactory.
Cooking arrangements have given satisfaction, but the food, consisting chiefly
of beef, has been found monotonous. Mutton has been supplied only once or twice
a month, as its price has been almost prohibitive, but the sick have been supplied
with it twice a week.
Bhamo .—This station is situated on the left bank of the Irrawady at an eleva
- t i o n o f a b o u t 6 4 0 f e e t . I t e x t e n d s f o r l ½ m i l e s a l o n g t h e b a n k o f t h e r i v e r . T h e
troops have been accommodated in three forts outside the town, one Fort A to the
north-east, another Fort B to the east and the third Fort C to the south-east of
the town. In the last-mentioned fort the majority of the garrison have been
accommodated. There has been overcrowding at times, but the erection of a new
building lately has obviated this. The basement flooring of the barracks has been
recommended to be laid with concrete, as it was found that the fine dust from the
existing flooring permeated everything.
The hospital is an ordinary full company barrack built of corrugated iron.
The main room is 180 feet long, 30 wide and 21 high, affording room for 50 beds.
It has been found insufficient for requirements during the unhealthy season, and
an unoccupied barrack had to be utilised as an auxiliary hospital. The cook
-houses, lavatory and latrines are only temporary bamboo buildings. A perma-
-nent cook-house has lately been built and is reported to be nearly ready for use.
Water has been obtained from wells, as that obtainable from. the near side of the
river has been found of bad quality from sewage contamination. The supply has
been good, the wells being protected from possible contamination.
The sanitation of the Native town is very bad.
A marsh exists outside the stockade which is supposed to be the main cause
of the prevalence of malarial fevers; efforts are now being made to drain it, but
probably will be only partially successful.
The climate is reported to be pleasant from November to March, but during
the rainy season from June to October it is unhealthy, malarial fevers being very
prevalent.
Shwebo .—At this station the barrack buildings are reported to have been
constantly in need of repair and generally in a somewhat dilapidated condition.
There has been insufficient accommodation in the guard-room. Sanitation has
generally been well attended to.