3
towns has risen from 84 to 91 of those available by the ordinary method of cal-
culation. This statement, however, needs qualification for in some towns the
work is still unsatisfactory, thus in Umrer only 48 per cent was completed,
in Arvi 75 per cent, Mandla 73 per cent, Sihora 46 per cent, Raipur 81 per cent
and Dhamtari 32 per cent; these are all exceedingly poor. In Nagpur 57 per
cent and in Saugor 53 per cent only was completed owing to difficulties arising
from plague ; a large balance therefore remains, and steps should be taken to
deal with it. On the other hand, Wardha, Chhindwara, Hinganghat, Khamgaon
and Hoshangabad have not only completed their work but have vaccinated many
children remaining unprotected from former years. According to vital statistics
Hoshangabad shows only 289 children, but 372 were vaccinated in spite of the
evacuation of the town for plague—this is a feat worthy of praise and one
which, I hope, other towns will emulate. If the Municipal Committee recognise
the importance of this matter, consult the Act, employ an experienced vaccinator
and supervise his work there is little doubt that not only could infant vaccination
be completed annually, but much re-vaccination could also be done. The Deputy
Commissioner, Nagpur, suggests that each Health Officer should submit a
brief report on the year's work to the Civil Surgeon. With this I agree and
think that in towns where there is a Sanitary Inspector only, he should do the
same.
Deaths from small-pox.
12. Deaths from small-pox numbered only 3,133 during the year against
6,174 in 1913-14. Although the epidemic has decreased
considerably, it has not shown signs of disappearance.
The reasons for this and the action to be taken have been given at length in the
previous report. It is for the district authorities to see how to tackle and eradicate
the scourge. The Deputy Commissioner, Nagpur, has issued excellent circulars
in regard to this matter, and it would be well if other districts were to follow
him.
13. The Civil Surgeon, Wardha, gives some interesting figures from
school inspections showing the prevalence of small-pox and the preventive power
of vaccination. He examined 749 children in village schools and found 17 per
cent pock-marked, while 14 per cent out of 1,129 children in Municipal schools
showed signs of the disease. Again, he examined the vaccinal condition of
288 pock-marked children and found only two with vaccination marks, one in
one case and two in the other, which is much below the standard advocated, viz.,
half a square inch.
General remarks.
4. During the year the rotatory lancet used in the Bombay Presidency was
introduced into this Province with good results, and the
village record has been ordered to be kept in the form of
a register and not on loose sheets so that it may be complete and up-to-date.
In some districts, vaccinators were entrusted with quinine for sale to the public
in places where there are no quinine-vendors. Tincture of iodine is being
supplied in places to vaccinators for application to the arms before the operation.
If allowed to dry thoroughly, it works very well. The issue of certificates to
school-masters who have rendered assistance in the cause of vaccination is being
taken up in many districts, and in Balaghat lectures on the value of vaccination
were delivered at fairs.
15. There is a small but important point to be taken up as to whether the
vaccinator should be deemed a public servant so that those who oppose. him in
the discharge of his duties may be brought to book.
16. The date of submission of the Provincial report has been changed
from 1 st June to 1st July, and it would be well if the dates for submission of
the district reports were also changed so as to give Civil Surgeons time to
gather information for their notes and reports. At present they have hardly
any time to do so.
T. G. N. STOKES, M.B., MAJOR, I.M.S.,
Sanitary Commissioner,
Central Provinces.
NAGPUR:
The 7th July 1915.