56
MEDICAL AND SANITARY REPORT OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BOMBAY.
1.
The head-quarters were stationed at Neemach throughout the year, several escort
parties having been sent along the Nusseerabad and Mhow
roads.
2.
Continue much the same as in former reports : they are kept clean and in good
order, but are originally defective as to general construction,
space, light, ventilation, and a total absence of plinths. These
lines are however placed on a slight elevation favourable to
general drainage, and there have been no water lodgments
observed.
Location and movements.
The lines and their surround-
ings, present condition, hygienic
and otherwise.
Conservancy.
3. Remains as described in former reports.
Similar to last report, with exception of the two solitary cells which have been raised four
The lock up rooms and cells
and Quarter Guard.
feet. Lock up rooms are low and deficient in sanitary respects
as to space, light, and proper ventilation, and found overheat-
ed during the hot weather.
4.
Owing to a very indifferent rainfall in 1877 (18.68 inches), the supply was scarce
during the first half but was abundant during the remainder
of the year, the rainfall of 1878 having proved favourable and
somewhat beyond the average. As previously mentioned, the wells throughout cantonment
were deepened, others sunk, and temporary "bunds," with good effect, thrown across the
lateral water nullahs skirting camp.
5.
Generally throughout the whole year the grain food supplies have been scarce and
dear, and in many instances found of inferior quality, especially
the rice, wheat, dhall, and ghee. Bajree was found dearer
than wheat, and sometimes not even to be had. The scarcity of vegetable food has also
been considerable, prices ranging quite beyond the sepoy's means. Potatoes for instance
rose to 8 annas a seer and at times were not to be had ; onions 3 to 4 annas a seer, and
bhajee 4 to 8 annas a seer when procurable. The regimental garden, only lately established
as described in former reports, has been found unequal to meet the emergency, owing in a
great measure to excess of demands and the highly unfavourable season, though about 125
Rupees' worth of vegetables were sold to sepoys at considerably cheaper rates than those
prevailing in the bazaar. The advantage of dieting the sepoy both when well in lines
as well as when sick in hospital is again earnestly brought to notice. It is a well-known
fact that many sepoys seriously suffer in health and physique by what may be called a slow
process of semi-starvation, many denying themselves the common necessaries of life for
the sake of supplying their relations or friends with monthly instalments from their small
pittances of pay which are barely sufficient for their personal wants. This is a most serious
evil and can only be checked through daily authoritative inspections (made by men of
competent castes) of the diet and rations which sepoy should, like soldiers, daily receive,
however " impracticable" the suggestion may at first appear. The clothing is the same as last
report, in addition 1 pair of socks per man has as yet been supplied with a warm blanket
to nearly all, and a " doputta" to 2 companies ; the remainder will be distributed as they
come to hand. I need scarcely say that this amount of clothing is inadequate to meet
the demands and wants of this climate, and the want of warm flannel inside clothing is a
fertile source of much fever and illness and invaliding.
6.
As in last report. As regards the duties generally these have been (as recom-
mended) considerably curtailed owing to the general sickness and
debility prevailing, especially after the monsoons, all which
measures have contributed in sanitary respects towards the
general health and well being of the Regiment. The average number of nights in bed has
been as follows : Native officers 11 1/4, havildars 4 1/4, naiks and lance naiks 5 7/12, buglers 5 1/6,
p r i v a t e s 6 1 / 6 t o t a l 6 1 / 5 . Th i s a v e r a g e h o we v e r i n c l u d e s a l l me n t o l d o f f f o r t h e v a r i o u s d u t i e s
of the regiment, such as bandsmen, tailors, shoemakers, book-binders, carpenters, armourers,
schoolmasters, &c.
7. As last report. Owing to excess of sick, and in order to avoid as far as practicable
Hospital and its immediate
surroundings, present condition,
hygienic and otherwise.
were two pall tents, the whole affording shelter for 250 sick ; these latter " palls" however
being found cold and uncomfortable, were soon returned as circumstances admitted. Owing
to excess of sick (occasionally over 250), and the demand for cots exceeding the barrack
supply, men were accommodated each with a thick dry grass bedding laid. on the flagged
floors, which during the cold weather and with a scanty supply of clothing and bedding were
found most serviceable and agreeable to the comforts and expectations of the men, the
Water supply.
Food and clothing.
Duties, exercises and amuse-
ment ; their effects on health.
overcrowding, the two hospital blocks as last year described
were supplemented with a similar building adjoining (used as
a school, tailoring, and band room) which was vacated and
given over for the use of the hospital, in addition to which