NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
157
these dispensaries were admirably selected for the purposes in view,
and have since proved of the utmost benefit to a fever-stricken and
suffering population.
In March last I inspected this dispensary, and was glad to find a
new building in course of erection. On examining the plans, how-
ever, I saw no provision had been made for subsidiary buildings, such
as a cook-house, latrine, and a dead-house.
The room appropriated for the Hospital Assistant's quarter is also
much too small, and I would suggest that a door be made in the
wall, dividing that room from the surgery, and thus afford him two
rooms instead of only one.
The surgery can be moved into the main ward—a room capacious
enough to hold two or three patients in addition. The east verandah
might also be converted into a store-room, for which no provision has
been made in the plan submitted. I likewise think it is highly desir-
able that a verandah be thrown out to the west, in order to protect
the building from the force of the south-west monsoon.
The site on which the dispensary is being erected meets with
approval.
The present building is nothing but a tiled shed, and, like other
dispensaries of its class, afford little or no proper security for the in-
struments and medicines which it contains. It is therefore hoped
that the new building will be completed before the monsoon.
The dispensary at this station was opened on the 1st Novem-
ber 1864.
The daily average number of attendance throughout the year, as
shown in the annual report and the returns for the year 1864-65, do
not appear to have been kept, but the following table will give the
information required from the year 1866 to 1871-72.
The following table will show the daily average number of attend-
ance, and the total number of sick treated, and deaths from 1866 up
to 31st March 1872 :—
1864. 1865. 1866.
1 8 6 7 .
1 8 6 8 .
1 8 6 9 . 1870.
F r o m t h e 1 s t J a n .
t o 3 1 s t M a r c h
1871.
F r o m 1 s t A p r i l
t o 3 1 s t M a r c h
1872.
T o t a l .
Daily average No. of sick
in each year
...
...
1 9 .
1 6 . 1
1 6 . 5
1 9 . 5
1 7 . 8
1 6 . 2
1 5 . 9
1 2 1 . 0
The total No. of sick
treated in each year
... ...
1 , 0 9 9
1 , 6 6 3
2 , 2 7 4
2 , 4 0 6
2 , 8 9 1
4 8 4
1 , 7 4 1
1 2 , 5 5 8
The total No, of deaths in
each year
... ...
1 3
7
. . .
7
3 ...
1
3 1
The return for the past year shows a decrease both in the average
daily attendance and in total sick treated, but this may be attributed
to the general healthiness of seasons and freedom from epidemic
diseases.
2 0 MD
158
Vaccination seems to have been almostentirely neglected. Only 8
persons have been vaccinated in the year. Of course the medical
officer complains of the ignorant and obstinate Lingayets and stiff-
necked Brahmins, but I am inclined to think the poorer classes
would have yielded a much larger return than the scanty one submit-
ted, had the vaccinator only been ordinarily zealous or in any way
alive to the great importance of the subject.
Water is very scarce at Mondegode, and this no doubt is the source
of much trouble and misery to its inhabitants. A tank has been
formed, but the springs are scanty, and yield but an insufficient quantity
of water for the wants of so large a population. Wells there are, but
they soon go dry, and the Water in many of them, I understand, is
indifferent.
The Hospital Assistant in medical charge, in point of ability and
aptitude for his work, is about the average, but I was happy to find
on inquiries made of the native authorities and others that he is
much liked in the town and neighbourhood, and his labours are
appreciated.
Halial—Kanara District.
The town of Halial is situated about 20 miles from Dharwar, and,
with the exception of about a hundred acres of cultivated ground
around, it is surrounded by dense jungles. The population is esti-
mated at 4,338. The inhabitants are chiefly cultivators.
The dispensary was opened in the year 1863, and the subjoined
statement indicates the progress of its operation since that period:-
D a i l y a v e r a g e N o . o f a t t e n d a n c e a s s h o w n i n t h e A n n u a l R e t u r n .
The total No. of Sick treated in each year.
T h e t o t a l N o . o f D e a t h s i n e a c h y e a r .
In the year 1863
1 1 . 0
8 5 7
9
” ” 1864
6 9 . 5
4 , 5 5 1
1 3
,, ,, 1865
3 7 . 5
2 , 8 5 8
2
” ” 1866
2 6 . 5
2 , 7 9 5
4
” ” 1867
2 3 . 7
2 , 7 9 5
4
” ” 1 8 6 8
2 8 . 8
3 , 2 6 1
2
” ” 1869
2 0 . 6
2 , 5 6 1
8
” ” 1870
2 4 . 1
2 , 6 2 6
3
From 1st January to 31st March 1871
3 3 . 1
8 7 4
1
Do. 1st April 1871 to 31st do. 1872
2 0 . 4
2 , 8 0 5
3
In the first year of its establishment the daily average attendance
was only 11, and the total number of persons treated 857, with 9
159
deaths ; but probably this return is only for a portion of the year,
for the exact date and month in which it was opened cannot be fur-
nished. In the subsequent year 1864 the average number of daily
sick rose to 69, and the total number of persons treated 4,551, with a
mortality of 13. During the following year the attendance at the
dispensary has fallen far short of that shown in 1864, but it has
been sufficiently uniform. In the past year, 1871-72, the daily
average is 20 . 4, total treated 2,805, deaths 3.
The report submitted by the Hospital Assistant in charge is a
meagre one, and no mention is made of the progress of vaccination ;
but from enquiries made, when on my tour of inspection, I came to the
conclusion that this important work was too much neglected.
On my visit in March last I also regretted to find that, with the ex-
ception of a new site, nothing had been done towards the erection of
a new dispensary.
The present one, as pointed out by my predecessor Dr. Pelly, so
far back as April 1870, is nothing but a verandah and affords but a
very imperfect protection for the instruments and drugs belonging
to the institution.
The site on which it is proposed to build the dispensary is in it-
self unobjectionable, but I should have preferred one nearer the
town.
Not having had the advantage of seeing the plan of the new build-
ing I can offer no opinion regarding it, but as 3,500 rupees, and pro-
bably more, are to be expended on its erection, I have no doubt but
that it will be one in every way suitable for a dispensary.
Good water for drinking is now procurable from a large tank
situated in the town, and also from various wells.
Mr. Rama Sonar, the Hospital Assistant in charge, from what I
saw of him, did not impress me with the idea that he was a man of
much energy, but I understand he is popular, and in his professional
capacity gives satisfaction.
Indapur-Poona Collectorate.
The town of Indapur is rather an important one, situated on the
G . I . P . R a i l w a y , a b o u t 8 0 m i l e s f r o m P o o n a . I t s p o p u l a t i o n b y l a s t
census at 6,834.
This dispensary was opened on the 1st January 1865, and is one
of those supported, but in a small part, by the Municipality of the
town.
It is maintained as follows:-
By Government grant-in-aid
Rs.
500
Local Fund
300
Municipal Fund
200
160
From the following statement of the total numbers treated since its
commencement in 1865, I think the dispensary may fairly be said
to have progressed, and that it has formed a great benefit to the
town and neighbourhood.
The total number of sick treated and died in each year is as
follows :—
Treated.
Died.
In the year 1865
1,348
11
Do.
1866
2,193
12
Do.
1867
1,773
11
Do
1868
1,837
4
Do.
1869
1,612
5
Do.
1870
2,597
7
Do.
1871
3,496
11
Not having been able to visit Indapur on my annual tour of in-
spection, I am obliged to refer to Surgeon Major Beatty's inspection
report on the dispensary, from which I gather that this institution
is in good working order, and think the Native Doctor, Mr. Ramjee
Malhar, is very popular in the town, and that his professional know-
ledge for his standing in the service is above the average.
Judging from the report now submitted, I am inclined to endorse
all that has been said of him, and consider he is well fitted for the
charge entrusted to him.
Water supply.—The town appears to be dependent on two tanks,
situated to the south-west and north-west of the town, for its
water-supply.
As the numerous wells in the town are said to be affected by these
tanks, it is of the utmost importance that they should be kept free
from mud and other impurities as stated in the report. In conse-
quence of this neglect the people are now suffering from want of
good water.
Vaccination.—Vaccination has been but indifferently carried on in
the town by the dispensary establishment, and only 159 operations
are recorded. This meagre return does not seem to be altogether the
fault of the Native Doctor, for he appears to be quite alive to the
importance of vaccination, and indeed is almost eloquent on the
subject, and would even make it compulsory; but it is due, as usual,
to prejudice and ignorance fostered, I am afraid, by native func-
tionaries who ought to know better.
Juner—Poona Collectorate.
The town of Juner is situated about 40 miles due north of
Poona, on a small river called Kookdee. Its population is estimated
at 10,000.
Not having visited this dispensary, and the information derived
from the reports concerning it being very meagre, this report
will necessarily be brief.
161
It was opened so far back as February 1864, but no records of its
operations appear to have been kept up to 1870, and are herewith
submitted in usual tabular form.
The following table shows the total number of patients treated,
the daily average number of attendance, and the number of deaths in
each year :—
Year.
Total No. of
Sick treated
in each year.
Daily average
No. of attend-
mace.
The total No.
of Deaths in
each year.
1870-71
6,611
30.15
30
1871-72
9,798
24.5
12
Judging from the work performed during the past official year, the
dispensary may be said to be progressing in a satisfactory manner.
The dispensary building is reported to be one much too small for
the wants of the people. There is no accommodation for in-door pa-
tients, nor does it in any way meet requirements considered neces-
sary for a dispensary under the new rules.
The town appears to be well supplied with water from reservoir
and other sources.
Vaccination is not alluded to in the report furnished by the Native
Doctor, nor, indeed, has he mentioned anything touching the medical
history of the dispensary.
I am only awaiting the report on this dispensary promised by the
Civil Surgeon of Poona, before bringing the subject of this institution,
as at present conducted by Mr. Babaji Jadow, to the notice of the
Inspector General, for, from reports before me, I have grave doubts of
his ability or fitness for the post he now holds.
Poona—Poona Collectorate.
The Poona Charitable Dispensary was established so far back as
1853, or nearly 20 years ago. Up to the year 1861 it was dependent
for its support on Government and to voluntary subscriptions raised
by its Secretary from the wealthy and charitably-disposed native
gentlemen of the city.
In 1861 the late Khan Bahadoor Puddumjee Pestonjee bequeathed
a sum of money, the interest on which realized 900 rupees annually.
This sum is devoted to the payment for European and country
medicines and petty contingences.
The pay of the Sub-Assistant Surgeon, Native Medical pupils,
2nd Class Hospital Establishment, and contingencies are defrayed by
Government at an annual cost of Rs. 3,984. From this statement
it will be seen that the Municipality of Poona in fact contribute
nothing towards the support of the dispensary.
162
By last census there are 80,000 inhabitants in the city of Poona.
Out of this vast population, 6,187, or 11 per cent., received medicines
and medical advice from the dispensary.
No doubt many more would have resorted to it, had there not been
a large public hospital, with a well organised dispensary attached,
open to them, and from which they can derive all the advantages
obtainable from the skill and experience of its medical officers.
But, apart from this, I am inclined to believe that if a spacious
and suitable dispensary could be built by the Municipality and its
present medical officer made to exercise a little more zeal and energy
in the prosecution of his duties, a much larger proportion of the inha-
bitants than at present would avail themselves of it.
Annexed to this report is the statement showing the daily average
number of attendance of sick and deaths in each year since the
opening of the dispensary.
The dispensary was opened on the 24th February 1853, and the
tabular statement shows the working of the institution from that
date up to the period under review.
But the daily attendance and total treated in each year clearly
indicate that its operations have been progressive and, up to a certain
point, satisfactory. In the first 5 years of its existence the total
number of persons treated was 17,160, but in the latter 5 years, that
is, from 1867 to 1871-72, the numbers were 26,331, showing an in-
crease of 9,271.
The death rates vary according to the presence or otherwise of
cholera in the city during the year, but are by no means to be con-
sidered as a true index of the mortality as it occurred in those years.
Vaccination.—As a full report on the subject of vaccination has
already been submitted to the Superintendent General of Vaccination,
I shall only remark here that, as at present conducted by the Sub-
Assistant Surgeon in charge of the dispensary, it has not been success-
ful, but considering the limited establishment allowed him, I do not
think it could be otherwise. I am fully persuaded that for a large dis-
pensary conducted by a Sub-Assistant Surgeon, a 3rd Class Hospital
Assistant ought to be added to the establishment, and take this oppor-
tunity of bringing the subject prominently to the notice of the
Inspector General. Of the 626 operations performed, and, I presume,
by the Sub-Assistant Surgeon, 259 are returned as successful, 252,
nearly one-half, unknown, and 73 proved unsuccessful. As the ope-
rator does not state his reasons for supposing that the unknown cases
proved successful, I must be allowed to remain sceptical on this point.
Appended to the report from this dispensary, a rather interesting
history regarding the manner in which Poona, for a long time
past, has been supplied with water, and the conclusion to be drawn
from the facts stated is, that the city, taking into consideration its
increase and importance, was better supplied in former times than at
the present. This deficiency, however, it is hoped, will be remedied
as soon as the Karakwasla Canal is opened.
STATEMENT showing the Daily Average Nu m ber of Attendance, of Sick and Deaths, in each year since
the opening of the Dispensary.
Years.
Daily ave-
rage No. of
attendance.
Remained.
Admitted.
Total.
Died.
Remaining.
REMARKS.
1853......
41.45
....
2,699
2,699
14
36
From 24th February 1853 to 31st March
1854.
1854......
53.1
36
3,112
3,148
8
69
1855......
30.
69
2,782
2,851
4
27
1856......
61.8
27
3,963
3,990
28
98
1857......
67.9
98
4,373
4,471
18
111
1858......
60.39
111
3,573
3,684
6
159
1859......
60.0
159
4,069
4,228
22
199
1860......
65.6
199
4,132
4.331
15
188
1861......
64.8
188
4,642
4,830
20
120
1862......
97.4
120
5,750
5,870
19
164
1863......
76.9
164
5,432
5,596
66
162
The excessive mortality was owing to the
163
prevalence of cholera.
1864......
64.9
162
4,920
5,082
52
169
1865......
53.9
169
4,268
4,437
19
156
1866......
49.54
156
4,532
4,688
12
122
1867......
48.3
122
4,824
4,946
5
123
1868......
50.8
123
4,646
4,769
14
96
1869......
58.5
96
5,691
5,787
14
77
1870......
52.4
77
4,565
4,642
8
131
1871.....
64.7
131
1,228
1,359
4
120
1st January to 31st March 1871.
1871-72..
71.9
120
6,067
6,187
15
179
K. B. P. S. Charitable Dispensary,
Poona, 9th May 1872.
BALKRISHNA. CHINTOBA, Sub-Assistant Surgeon,
In charge K.B.P.S. Charitable Dispensary.
JAMES DAVIDSON, M.B., Assistant Surgeon,
Officiating Civil Surgeon, Poona.
164
CHARITABLE DISPENSARIES SUPPORTED BY MUNICIPALITIES.
Sholapur Collectorate.
The Sholapur dispensary may be taken as a fair type of a 1st
class dispensary supported from Municipal funds.
It was established in 1864, and opened for the reception of
patients in September of that year. Since which period it has, I
think, steadily maintained its position and usefulness as exemplified
in the table statement appended to this report.
Its daily average number of admissions for a series of years, has
ranged from 60 to 90, and the number of persons treated in each
year has risen from 3,161 to 5,760.
On my tour of inspection in January last, I was gratified to find
that since the last report a handsome dispensary had been erected by
the Municipality just inside the town walls, at a cost of Rs. 12,000
The building contains a ward capable of accommodating 6 patients,
a surgery, waiting-room, store room, and cook-house, which is
separate from the main building. The quarters for a Hospital
Assistant and medical pupils were in course of erection.
It is reported that, owing to want of funds, the Municipality do
not at present intend to admit in-door patients, and the report was
strengthened by the fact that the cook-house was, on my visit,
occupied by the dispensary peon and his family.
Although a large sum of money has already been expended on
this building, the important subsidiary buildings are still wanting,
viz., a latrine and a dead-house.
The Municipality are now drawing their attention to the water
supply, and if schemes proposed are carried out, an abundant supply
of good water will be obtainable—at present rather a scarcity is felt
in the town.
Vaccination is carried on principally by the vaccinator entertained
by the Municipality.
The Hospital Assistant in charge of the dispensary, Mr. Nursoo
Goorapa, is a man of fair professional ability and possesses a force of
character which enables him to take his proper position among his
equals, and commands respect from all. His manner of conducting
his dispensary duties was very satisfactory, and I had also reason to
be satisfied that the people generally had confidence in his treat-
ment.
165
STATEMENT showing the daily average number of Attendance, total
number of Treated, and Deaths, in each year since 1st September
1864.
Daily average
Number of
attendance.
Number of
patients
Treated.
Number of
Deaths.
From 1st Sept. 1864th 31st Dec. 1864
42.9
921
2
" 1st Jan. 1865 to 31st Dec. 1865
60.2
3,161
3
" "
1866 to
" 1866
60.0
3,152
" " 1 8 6 7 t o " 1 8 6 7
63.5
4,055
5
" " 1 8 6 8 t o " 1 8 6 8
91.7
5,096
6
" " 1 8 6 9 t o " 1 8 6 9
87.0
4,841
7
" " 1 8 7 0 t o " 1 8 7 0
79.1
4,438
10
" " 1 8 7 1 t o " 1 8 7 1
76.4
1,320
. . .
" 1st April 1871 to 31st March 1872
80.7
5,760
10
N U R S O O G O O R A P A , V . C . ( N O . 4 2 9 ) ,
2nd Class Hospital Assistant, in charge Sholapur Dispensary.
Barsi—Sholapur Collectorate.
Barsi is a town in the Sholapur Districts, and is about 12 miles from
the railway station. It contains about 15,769 inhabitants, and is
considered a place of some note.
Not having been able to inspect this dispensary during my late
tour, I must refer to the inspection report submitted by the Civil
Surgeon at Sholapur for my information regarding it.
The building itself, I understand, is one fairly suitable for a dis-
pensary ; but, like most others, certain subsidiary buildings will
require to be added before it can be said to be complete.
Barsi Dispensary has been in operation about 5 years. It was
opened on the 26th of December 1866, and the statement appended
to this report will show the progress of its operations since that
date. The total sick treated during the year is 2,996, with a daily
average of attendance of 34.3. This is not so high as in some of the
past years, but perhaps this might depend on healthiness of the
season.
The report submitted does not impart much information, it being
simply a record of the diseases treated during the year.
No allusion is made to vaccination, but it is satisfactory to know
that only two cases of small-pox were admitted into hospital.
A few cases of sporadic cholera took place in November and
March, but only three were admitted to hospital, two of which proved
fatal.
The Civil Surgeon, in his inspection report, states that the work
of the dispensary is carried on well and efficiently, and that the
Hospital Assistant, Mr. Wassodeo Ramchander, bears a good charac-
ter and is well spoken of.
2 1 M D
INFORMATION regarding the Charitable Dispensary, Barsi, opened on the 21st December 1866.
Date on which Dispensary
was opened.
Total number of Patients Treated, Deaths, and Average attendance
during the each Year.
January,
February,
March,
1871.
The extent to which the
Dispensary is supported by
the Government.
1866.
1867.
1868.
1869.
1870.
1871-72.
T r e a t e d .
D e a t h s .
A v e r a g e a t t e n d a n c e .
Tr eat ed. D e a t h s .
A v e r a g e a t t e n d a n c e .
T r e a t e d .
D e a t h s .
A v e r a g e a t t e n d a n c e .
T r e a t e d .
D e a t h s .
A v e r a g e a t t e n d a n c e .
Tr eat ed.
D e a t h s .
A v e r a g e a t t e n d a n c e .
T r e a t e d . D e a t h s .
A v e r a g e a t t e n d a n c e .
T r e a t e d . D e a t h s .
A v e r a g e a t t e n d a n c e .
21st December 1866 ... ... 41 ... 13.2 2,470 4 35.7 3,351 8 37.5 3,012 17 35.6 3,153 3 28.7 2,996 13 34.3 623 ... 23 Pay and Dispensary allowance
of the Hospital Assistant,
pay of two Native Medical
Pupils, Postal charges, and
travelling allowances are the
items paid by the Govern-
ment.
WASSODEV RAMCHUNDER, No. 430,
2nd Class Hospital Assistant, in charge Dispensary, Barsi.
Barsi, 7th May 1872.
166
167
Pandharpur— Sholapur Collectorate.
The town of Pandharpur is the well known place of pilgrimage,
situated on the banks of the Bheema, and contains about 15,031 in-
habitants. It has also, unfortunately, the reputation of being one of
the most unhealthy in this part of India. During the great jattras,
or religious festivals, which take place in the months of July and
October, an immense assemblage of devotees collect, and on these
occasions not unfrequently severe out-breaks of malignant cholera
take place.
Soon after the commencement of the Ashadi Jattra, 1870, cholera
broke out in a virulent form, and in consequence a commission was
deputed to visit and report upon the subject. My predecessor, Dr.
Pelly, and the Sanitary Commissioner were appointed, and after a
short time sent in a very full and able report on the subject.
I shall not here enter particularly into this report, suffice to say
that the recommendations they suggested to prevent the frightful
overcrowding which usually took place in the temple, especially
throughout the night, has been carried out. The people are also
now made to take up certain prescribed camping grounds where
water is procurable ; and, lastly, very strict supervision is exercised
over the latrine trenches, which are opened for the use of the
multitude, and who are now compelled to resort to them and allowed
to go nowhere else.
The description given of the state of things which formerly existed
at these Jattras is hardly credible, and surprise is felt, not that
thousands of people sometimes perished from cholera during these
festivals ; but that any one year should have passed over without this
disease inflicting its ravages on masses of people in every way so
exposed to its influences.
It is pleasing to note that since strict sanitary regulations have
been enforced, cholera has not made its appearance during the time
in which Jattras are held. The disease, however, showed itself in
the town after, but in a more or less sporadic form, and still con-
tinues.
My impression is that cholera never leaves this town, and it only
requires certain conditions to develope itself, either in a sporadic or
epidemic form.
A charitable dispensary at Pandharpur has been in existence
since 1863. It was opened on the 26th of July of that year, but its
records, so far as the daily attendance is concerned, are imperfect and
do not commence till 1867. With this exception, the following