88
MEDICAL AND SANITARY REPORT OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BOMBAY.
H. M.'s 27th (or 1st Belooch) Regiment N. L. I.
JACOBABAD.—In medical charge of Surgeon H. A DEY, M.B.
Average Strength . . .
699
Do. present . . .
689
Admissions . . .
799
Daily Sick . . .
32.1
Deaths in Hospital . . .
12
Do. out of Hospital . . .
. . .
Invalided . . .
40
Sick Leave . . .
24
Years.
Stations.
Rate per cent. to Average Strength
present of
Admissions.
Daily Sick.
Deaths in Hospital.
1876 . . .
Hydrabad . . .
137.4
5.8
1.0
1877 . . .
Do. . . .
99.8
4.2
0 6
1878 . . .
Do. . . .
151.6
4.4
1.1
Average . . .
129.6
4.8
0.9
1879 . . .
Jacobabad . . .
115.9
4.6
1.7
1. Head-quarters at Jacobabad throughout the year. Large detachments consisting
numerically of a wing at Sibi, Thall, and Rushmore. Depôt
remains at Hydrabad.
Location and movements.
The lines and their surround
-ings; present condition, hygienic
or otherwise.
2. Those of the 30th Bombay N. I. Detailed description
given in previous reports. Lines in fair repair, and accom
- m o d a t i o n a m p l e .
3. There are no latrines in the lines with the exception of that for the use of the
hospital; in this a modification of the dry-earth system is in use.
The quantity of water used by natives for the purposes of
ablution after defœdation entails a large amount of labour to keep these latrines clean on this
plan. The scarcity of water and absence of drainage arrangements prevent the adoption
of the wet or flushing system, which would, if practicable, be probably more efficient. The
men in the lines proceed to the neighbouring jungle for the offices of nature, and provided
they be strictly limited to a suitable distance, there is nothing against this arrangement in a
country where surface-drainage and open water-courses are at a minimum. Married men's
quarters are supplied with latrines, strict supervision being maintained.
Conservancy.
Water-supply.
4. From deep open wells. Quantity sufficient. Quality,
fairly good.
5. Food supply sufficient; prices high. Clothing, uniform, neat, and appropriate. It
would, however, appear advisable that more stringent regula
-
tions be introduced with regard to the clothing of men off duty.
It is a matter of almost daily observation to find men with an acute pneumonia or shivering
with a fit of ague appearing at the hospital, clothed, indeed, with a blanket round the body,
but with little on their legs and nothing on their feet.
6 . T h e d u t i e s w e r e t h o s e o f t h e u s u a l g a r r i s o n w o r k . T h e d e t a c h m e n t s a t o u t p o s t s
having an access of field duty, which appears to have been
advantageous rather than prejudicial to health. Games, with a
view to muscular development, were encouraged.
5. The hospital is a commodious building consisting of two blocks. The larger, which
has been lately constructed, is raised on plinths some two and a
half feet. It consists of one large ward: length 106 ft.,
breadth 20 ft., height 21 ft. 5 in., which with 36 beds would
give 1,500 cubic feet per patient. Folding doors open at the
sides and ends. Shafts are let in on either side at proper intervals to ensure free ventilation.
There is a verandah on the southern and northern aspects. The roof is circular. There are
two side rooms: the one used as a guard-room; the other for any case requiring isolation.
The smaller building, which constituted the old hospital, 30th Rifles, consists of a central
ward capable of holding 16 patients, side-rooms, verandah, dispensary, and offices. A post
-
Food and clothing.
Duties, exercise, and amuse
-ments; their effect on health.
Hospital and its surroundings;
present condition, hygienic or
otherwise.