( 14 )
by surrounding roomy verandah and two smaller apartments which are projected forward
from the two front angles of the building. One of these two rooms is used for the examin-
ation of prostitutes, and the other for compounding medicines.
The hospital, which is raised on pingado posts eight feet above the ground, stands in
a small compound in the rear of the charitable dispensary,—not altogether secluded, but, at
the same time, sufficiently removed from public gaze.
It is admirably adapted for its purpose, and has accommodation for 12 persons,
which is three in excess of the maximum number for which accomodation has ever been
required.
No additions have been made to the building during the past year ; but it is highly
necessary that a cook-house be provided without delay. The want of this has long been
experienced and expressed.
II.—Any changes in the medical charge of the lock hospital during the year.
Surgeon-Major Croudace, Indian Medical Department, was in charge from the begin-
ning of the year until October the 10th. He was then succeeded by Surgeon Oswald Baker,
Indian Medical Department, who has since remained in charge.
III.—The extent of venereal disease amongst the European troops as shewn by the monthly returns.
The following statement has been compiled from the weekly returns submitted by the
Principal Medical Officer with the European troops :—
.
MONTHS.
89th Regiment, Foot.
Royal Artillery,
M i l i t a r y f o r c e .
S y p h i l i s , p r i m a r y .
S y p h i l i s s e c o n d a r y .
G o n o r r h o e a .
O t h e r v e n e r a l a f f e c t i o n s .
M i l i t a r y f o r c e .
S y p h i l i s , p r i m a r y .
S y p h i l i s s e c o n d a r y .
G o n o r r h o e a .
O t h e r v e n e r a l a f f e c t i o n s .
T o t a l o f e a c h v e n e r a l d i s e a s e .
January
..
..
. . 404 ¾
2
..
3
. .
1 7 4
..
..
2
1
8
February ..
..
.. 418 ¾
1
1
1
. . . . 162 2/3 ..
..
1
. . . .
4
March
..
..
. . 409 2/5 ..
..
3
. . . . 284 4/5 ..
..
. . . .
. . . .
3
April
..
..
. . 406
..
..
1
. .
C. Bat
142 ¾
ery, , 9th Brig
7
..
ade.
4
..
12
May
..
.. 429½
1
..
3
. . . 173½ ....
..
1
. . . .
5
June
..
. .
. . 425 2/5
2
..
1
1 . . 174 2/5 1
. . .
.
. .
. .
5
July
..
.. 430½ ..
..
..
. . . . 174½ ..
..
3
. . . .
3
August
..
..
. . 430
..
..
2
. . . . 176
1
..
1
. . . .
4
September ..
. . 429½ ..
..
2
. . . . 174½
1
..
1
. . . .
4
October
..
..
.. 427½
.
.
.
.
1
. . . . 171¼ ..
. . .
.
. . . .
. . . .
1
November ..
. .
. . 427
44th
..
Regim
..
ent, Fe
3
ot.
..
169 3/5 ..
1
..
..
4
December ..
..
. . 337½ 8
1
2
.. 158 ¾ ..
..
..
..
11
Total .. ..
14
2
22
1
..
10
1
13
1
64
Number contracted away from Thayet-
myo
..
. .
. .
. . ..
9
..
3
..
..
7
..
4
..
. .
Glancing at this table, a striking point is the apparent irregular occurrence of disease ;
for instance, there were 174 artillerymen in garrison in January, with only two admissions
from gonorrhoea ; while in April, with an average strength of 142 men, there were four
cases of gonorrhoea and seven of primary syphilis ; and turning to the infantry force, a like
impression is received. But this is easily explained away ; indeed, a short examination of
the return is sufficient for the purpose. In the early part of the year there was a relief in
the artillery. The old brigade got away in March, and the new one arrived in April, 170
strong, bringing with it into this station 11 cases of venereal disorder. Again, in Decem-
ber, the 89th Regiment of the line was moved away ; and the 44th, which relieved them,
introduced into Thayetmyo eight more cases of primary syphilis and two of gonorrhoea.
This importation of disease (and I presume it takes place with every change of troops) is
a very unfortunate circumstance. The keenest scrutiny and the most secure lock hospital
will not prevent the spread of syphilis in a locality to which fresh cases of the disorder are
with periodical frequency conveyed.