4
Sales of vaccine, calves, etc., resulted in the receipt of Rs. 4,637-2-3 and
Rs. 4,964-9-8 are still owing for vaccine supplied during the year. The average
cost per dose fell from 4.8 pies to 2.1 pies or to 1.8 pies if the actual receipts
for sales are taken into account. A further reduction in the average cost per
dose may be expected next year, but even now it compares most favourably
with the cost of production in other Depôts in India.
The services of the Superintendent (on probation) were dispensed with in
October 1915, and a new Superintendent, Dr. C. N. Banarji, was appointed in
November 1915, who has proved to be a capable and careful officer and has
worked very satisfactorily. The arrangements for the supply of calves were
altered and the supply is now ample and regular from three contractors. Two
epidemics of foot and mouth disease broke out during the year, and the Depôt
was closed temporarily on both occasions.
The contract for the supervision of the refrigerating plant has been
stopped and further economies in the reduction of the staff and the cost of
packing are contemplated. During the year the diet of the calves was consi-
derably increased, but the extra cost is more than repaid by the larger and
better return of vaccine and by the saving of time in convalescence.
The issue of vaccine direct to vaccinators instead of to Civil Surgeons for
redistribution, was begun during the year and will be continued. The primary
cost to the Depôt is greater, but the ultimate cost is less and the saving of time is
a matter of importance with glycerinated vaccine. I propose to use collapsible
tin tubes in place of glass capillary tubes next year and have arranged for a
supply. The glass tubes are expensive and trouble some to load, and they break
in transit. I also propose to manufacture some lanolinated vaccine next year as
an experiment owing to the complaints received that glycerinated vaccine does
not stand long hot journeys very well.
The great increase in output and the reorganisation of the entire system
of working gave both Dr. Sebastian and Dr. Banarji a large amount of hard
work, which was well and carefully done. These officers deserve great credit for
the success of their efforts, and I have only to add that the work of the Depôt is
now proceeding economically and smoothly and without fear of interruption.
10. Cost of the Department.—The total cost of the Department during
the year as detailed in Statement II was Rs. 1,12,336 or Rs. 13,915 in excess of
the previous year.
The cost per successful operation was Re. 0-1-5 against Re. 0-1-2 in the
previous year, which is due to the increase in establishment viz., :—one Deputy
Sanitary Commissioner and his office establishment and two Sub-Inspectors
of Vaccination.
11. General.—Better vaccination results may be expected from the pre-
sent staff under more stringent supervision and more systematic control, but
there is a limit to the possibilities in that direction under existing conditions,
wherein vaccination is neither free nor compulsory, and the control of the
staff and the work restswith Civil Surgeons in the districts.
With reference to the system of administration I am of opinion that it
should be single and not dual, and I think that in most districts Civil Surgeons
have little or no time to spare from their many and increasing medical res-
ponsibilities to accord the necessary time or attention to the detailed and
personal supervision of vaccination work, if it is to be properly carried out, I
consider that it would be more satisfactory if the Sanitary Department alone
were responsible for this work and were strengthened accordingly and given
the entire administrative charge of vaccination under revised and improved
conditions, extending the Act, making vaccination free to all, and consolidating
the establishment in one cadre of paid vaccinators and Inspecting Officers.
In conclusion I desire to bring to the notice of Government the large
amount of useful work done by the three Deputy Sanitary Commissioners dur¬
ing the year in inspecting vaccination work and reporting on the efficiency of
the staff and work in almost all the districts of the Province.
W. C. ROSS, MAJOR, I.M.S.,
Offg. Sanitary Commissioner.