NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
195
The percentages of treated, &c., is given below :—
Average strength of three Corps
. 1,811
Treated
1,488
D i e d
14
Treated to Strength
82
Died to Strength
0.77
Died to Treated
0.94
D ISPENSARIES.
To all the civil hospitals dispensaries are attached and returns are
furnished from them ; besides these, there are in the Ahmadabad
Collectorate nine : two in the city of Ahmedabad, endowed, and 7 in
the Mofussil ; Kaira Collectorate six, at Jambusar 1, at Godlira; Dohad,
and Sadra 1; in Kutch 2; and 1 at Mhow, established by Parsee
Dorabjee Pestonjee, and chiefly maintained by voluntarary con-
tributions.
In alleviating sickness, curing disease and injuries, and in a lesser
degree assisting the course of justice, these dispensaries are of im-
mense benefit—a ray of bright light breaking through the fog of pre-
j u d i c e , m i s e r y , a n d s u f f e r i n g — t h e p o o r r e s o r t t o t h e m w i t h h o p e a n d
thankfulness, and the rich seem proud of them ; but whether the
dispensaries have brought forth fruits such as might have been ex-
pected, is a question more difficult to answer in the affirmative,
Wherever the man in charge has been fitted for and equal to his
work, the dispensary has progressed in favour with the community, and
the work done has been a success. Numerically all dispensaries show
a gradual increase of patients, but the number of serious cases suc-
cessfully treated is not so apparent in all, As a general rule, I do not
think that the hospital assistants in charge are equal to the work ;
they seem to want educating a little more, to be wanting in energy,
and do not improve. But in thus.speaking I do so with diffidence,
as I form my opinion somewhat from the reports they send in,
which, from their imperfect knowledge of English, are very unsatis-
factory, and they also show that they are unable to note down day
by day the leading features presenting in the treatment of important
cases, and frequently there are errors of diagnosis.
I think that there is so much to be done in the way of sanitation
in the towns and villages, and that good men in charge of dispen-
saries under advice might do so much to reconcile the ignorant and
obstinate to changes in their habits that are absolutely necessary,
that I think it is of great importance that men of intelligence and
education with personal activity and energy should have charge of
the dispensaries in the chief towns, and with regard to this point of
making them the sanitary officers of the municipality. I am sorry
that it has been thought expedient at this time to introduce the
payment system in the Mofussil, as hitherto the dispensary had been
looked upon by all as an unmixed good.
Mr. George at Gogo is an excellent man, and Mr. Conway is a very
intelligent, industrious man, and clever ; but the Hospital Assistant
196
in charge of the dispensary at Dholka is the only man who is really
very good amongst hospital assistants.
No capital operations have been performed at any of the dispen-
saries in charge of hospital assistants, except at Dholka 2 amputa-
tions of the finger, and at Borsad a secondary operation, removing a
fore-arm crushed and mortified; 112 dislocations and fractures have
been reduced.
I think it would be of value statistically, if a register was kept and
return furnished of all post-mortems and of cases in which the evi-
dence of the hospital assistant might have been called for at the
sessions.
In the returns appended it will be seen that there have been treat-
ed during the year 1871-72, 151,535, and 149 died.
In most of the dispensaries vaccination has been carried on, but
the medical officers have all been enjoined to pay particular attention
to this branch of their duty. I am in hopes that by strict supervision
and instruction from the civil surgeons, and myself by sending for
and correcting cases, the hospital assistants will improve in knowledge
and usefulness.
It will be seen by the return of treated. in the dispensaries that
the total amounted. to 151,535, and deaths 149. This ratio of deaths
to treated is of little value, as will be seen by referring to the table.
Of continued fevers treated, 681; there were no deaths, rheumatic
affections 5,194, no deaths, disease of lungs 7,258, deaths 17, surgical
operations 112, one death.
Herewith a summary of the class of diseases treated:-
Fever, eruptive
104
4 Died,
'' continued
681
„ „
malarious
25,923
28 „
Cholera
8
1
„
Other diseases of this class
640
2
„
Rheumatic affections
5,194
...
„
Syphilitic
do.
2,774 ...
„
Scorbutic
do. ...
64
. . . ,,
Dropsies
273
7
„
Other diseases of this class
1,706
11 „
Nervous system
3,595
13
„
Insanity
66
1 „
Diseases of eye
6,845
...
„
,,
heart
28
. . .
„
„ l u n g s
7,258
17 „
Diarrhœa
3,323
4
„
Dysentery
2,965
13 „
Other diseases of this class
15,833
4
„
Diseases of liver
544
5
„
„ s p l e e n
1,124
. . .
„
Gonorrhea
2,138
. . .
„
Abscesses
6,551
1 „
197
Ulcer
6,765
6 Died.
Skin disease
38,506
1 ' '
Other diseases of this class
12,730
9 ' '
Old age
832
. . .
Poisons
450
4 ' '
Injuries
3,921
16 ''
Surgical operations
112
1 ' '
Malarious fever gives the largest total of serious diseases, about 16
per cent. Under the head skin disease and disease of other class are no
less than 50,236 treated, or one-third of the total sick; of eruptive
fever there were only 104 admitted, and 8 cases of cholera have been
treated. Diarrhoea and dysentery and disease of stomach and bowels
give the next largest total, but in these are included the very
numerous cases, relieved by a dose of medicines, and entered as
indigestion or constipatio.
Diseases of the eye includes a great number of cases of simple
conjunctivitis easily cured.
The surgical operations performed have been almost confined to
minor operations ; cases requiring more experienced treatment, I
think, usually resort to the hospitals at the sadder towns.
I will now go into the history of the several dispensaries establish
-ed independent of civil hospitals.
I have appended a return showing the yearly total of treated in all
the dispensaries since their establishment, and it will be seen that,
with few exceptions, there has been a constant yearly increase of
admissions.
Gogo—Ahmadabad.
Population 5,000.
The first in point of date is the Government Dispensary at Gogo,
chiefly intended at first for Government employés and sick of a
detachment of Native Infantry there
stationed in 1854, from which date a
record was kept of patients treated at the house of the Assistant
Apothecary.
In 1855
370
' ' 1856
203
' ' 1 8 5 7
430
Increasing yearly to in 1863
1,661
In this year a small building of two rooms and a verandah was
completed and used as a dispensary, it cost Rs. 700, 500 being paid
by the Rajah of Bhawnagar, 200 by the Municipality, the contingent
expenses paid by Government.
The yearly number of patients has increased steadily, although
the population has .decreased, a great deal of the trade being
diverted to Bhawnagar ; last year the total treated was 5,368. The
Municipality furnish a peon, and they are now increasing and improv-
ing the dispensary building at an expense of Rs. 2,300 ; during the
hot weather a good many Europeans and families from Katty war
and Ahmadadad resort to Gogo.
25 M D
198
D h o l k a — A h m a d a b a d .
•
In 1864 the Municipality of Dholka, a large but now decaying
town 26 miles from Ahmadabad, established a dispensary having a
Po elation 20 000.
convenient house, and paying annually
p
,
Rs. 600 and a monthly sum of Rs. 20, since
increased to Rs. 30, for contingent expenses.
The dispensary is a commodious building and well situated. There
is a large reception room and a dispensary room, wards for males and
females, and a spacious court-yard. The hospital assistant has rooms
within the compound, the whole building wants a thorough repair.
The dispensary is in charge of an, intelligent hospital assistant,
..and works very well. He is a member of the Municipality.
The total treated during the year—
...
In-patients. Out-patients.
•• •
1864 was1,945
.• •
• • .
1865 ...3,590 •• •
...
1870 ...
...
53
7,404
1871 ...• • •
74
8,706
•••
The establishment consists of 1 hospital assistant, 2 apprentices, 1
dispensary servant, 1 peon, bheestie and sweeper attached.
Raimw—Ahmadabad City.
This dispensary was established in the southern part of the city
in 1865, a hired house was occupied, and the
Population 110,C00. dispensary opened, the expense being borne by
the Municipality.
The total. treated during the first year was 6,377 ; during the last
year 2,648 cases.
A more commodious building is now in course of erection at
the expense of the Municipality.
Dhollera—Alonadabad.
This dispensary was opened in 1865. Dhollera is a large town in-
Population 1,100.
habited by Bhunnias and Lohanees, and in
the season for exporting cotton there is a.
large floating population as well. The inhabitants are very bi.gotted,
and many resort to native wards and priests for treatment.
The Dhurmao Talao Fund pays annually 700 rupees to the expense
of the dispensary, which is fixed in a very small building, in a very
bad site, altogether unsuitable.
It is purposed to build a dispensary here, but there is some doubt
as to Dhollera retaining its present trade much longer.
The treated in 1865 were ...
...
...
2,820
1866
...
•••
...
2,806
1870
...
•..
...
3,705
1871
...
...
. • .
3,667
The dispensary consists of only one room and a small col ',yard.
The hospital assistant is an intelligent man.
1 9 9
Beechurdass Dispensary—Ahmadabad.
Shett Beechurdass deposited at interest 15,000 rupees to provide.
Population 110,600.
for the contingent expenses of a dispensary.
Government provide one Sub-Assistant Sur-
geon and 2 apprentices, the municipality providing the building at a
cost of 7,600 rupees, and also the annual repairs.
It consists of a central receiving room and a dispensary room, one
ward for males, holding 4 beds, 1 for females, fitted for two, and another
room used as an operating room; there is cook-room and privy.
It is in charge of a Sub-Assistant Surgeon Mr. Ruttonjee
Hormusjee; two medical pupils, one dispensary servant, 1 Brahmin
cook, 1 bheestie, 1 sweeper.
It was opened on 1st January 1866.
In-patients. Out-patients.
In that year were treated
...
4,208
1867
.
6
5,672
1868
6
7,189
1871
33
9,332
Many operations were performed here, and serious cases of illness,
but chiefly cases . requiring surgical treatment, are admitted and care-
fully treated.
Naiad Municipality requested that a dispensary might be establish-
Population 25,520.
ed, they paying contingent expenses and
value of medicines, and it was carried on.
in a hired house; but in 1870 anew building
was completed at a cost of Rs. 10,000, 2,800 paid by the Municipality
and the balance from Local Fund.
The hospital is well built, has a large centre room, and 2 large
wards capable of holding 12 patients, a verandah all round, cook-
room and. privy, but no dead-house, and no accommodation for hos-
pital establishment, which consist of 1 hospital assistant, 1 native.
pupil, 1 dispensary servant, a peon, sweeper, and bheestie.
There are few in-patients except police cases, the reason given is.
that the Municipality. begrudge
funds to feed paupers.
O u t - p a t i e n t s .
In 1866 there were treated
158
1867
10,586
1871
16,196
The hospital assistant is industrious and patient, and I think will
improve.
Kapadvanj—Kaira.
The dispensary was established in 1866 by the Municipality, and
Population 15,000.
carried on in a hired house, but in a short
time a handsome dispensary was built at
a cost of 10,000 rupees, 7,000 from the Local Fund, 3,000 from
200
the Municipality ; the building is on the same plan as Nariad and
Dakor ; a good centre room, a dispensary room, a ward for males
and one for females, and a good verandah all round, cook-room ; no
dead-house, or room for establishment.
There is a 3rd class hospital Assistant, 1 medical pupil, 1 goorgah,
1 sweeper and bheestie attached.
There are but few in-patients, the reason given is the want of
funds to feed them; but I think that a good deal depends on the
medical officer in charge—this man appears intelligent, but is sick
and wanting in energy.
Vaccination is kept up.
The treated in 1866 were
1,732
1867
6,178
1871
6,396.—In-patients 4
There has been no increase during the past few years.
Dakor—Kaira.
Population 7,000.
Dakor is a town of 7,000 inhabitants, chiefly Brahmins and beg-
gars ; it is celebrated for a temple of Runchor-
boy's and a very fine, extensive tank. Once
a month there is held a mehla, at which some thousands from the
neighbouring parts of the country assemble.
The dispensary was established in 1867, costing Rs. 10,000: 5,000
was paid by the owner of the temple, 1,000 by the Thakoor, and 4,000 by
the Municipality. It is a substantial building on the standard plan,
situate outside the town ; there is no dead-house or accommodation
for establishment, which consists of hospital assistant, 1 medical
pupil, a peon, a goorgah, and a Brahmin compounder—this servant
is considered indispensable on account of caste prejudice.
In 1867 were treated
4,376
1871
4,519.—In-patients 24.
Borsad—Kaira.
Population 11,000.
Borsad Dispensary was opened in. 1867, the expenses are defrayed
from Local Funds, the building is hired at
3 rupees monthly, it is most unsuitable for
in-patients—in fact there is only one open shed within the court-
yard.
The establishment consists of a hospital assistant, 1 medical pupil,
a peon, a sweeper.
In-patients.
Out-patients.
The patients treated were in 1867
...
2,329
1868
25
3,768
1869
126
4,453
1871
2 0 3
5 , 3 6 0
The in-patients are cases sent for report by the Police authorities
, who are detained for a few days.
201
Veramgaon—Ahmadabad.
Population 19,661.
The dispensary at Veramgaon was established in 1868, March,at
the request of the Municipality in a rented
house; but in the following year, 4,000
rupees being voted by the Municipality and 4,000from Local
Funds, a substantial building was commenced and completedin 1870.
It consists of a large centre room and two wardsfor in-patients,
a store-room. There is a dead-house, acook-room, and two privies,
and accommodation for a hospital assistant and one apprentice.
They are building a low wall to enclose the compound at a cost of 575
r u p e e s .
Vaccination is carried on.
In-patients. Out-patients.
In 1868 there were treated
...
4,002
1869
. . .
5,546
1870
96
5,041
1871
90
5,550
The Hospital Assistant Hunmuntrow, No. 326, has lately joined.
sadra.
Population 2,660.
Sadra Dispensary was established in 1868. 10,977 rupees were
collected from the neighbouring Chiefs and
8,284 were expended on the hospital and
2,686 invested in Government securities. Government pay 11 rupees
monthly for peon and sweeper.
An excellent pucka building completed, it consists of a large
dispensary room and one ward, 26 feet by 18, fitted for 8 atients,
a smaller room for a writing and consulting room, and a good veran-
dah all round ; cook-room, privy, and room for apprentice ; unfortu-
nately it was built on the edge of a nullah—so close, in deed, that the
foundations have given way already, and I am afraid that further
damage will ensue.
The hospital is in charge of Mr. Apothecary Conway, and the work
done is considerable ; there is an apprentice, one peon, and a
s w e e p e r
In-patients. Out-patients.
Treated in 1868
...
1,829
1869
110
3,740
1870
126
4,032
1871
87
4,267
Prantej—Ahmadabad
.
Population 8000
.
A charitable dispensary was established at Prantej, the expense
being paid by Local Fund. A house was at first
hired, but during the present year an excellent
building has been completed at a cost of 10,311 rupees paid from
Local Fund.
202
I think it is the best built dispensary in the division. There is a
large centre room for receiving patients and dispensing medicines, a
male and female ward, and a private room, a store-room and a good
verandah all round; a bath-room, a privy, and dead-house, quarters
for a hospital assistant and 2 apprentices.
There is one hospital assistant. 1 apprentice. 1 peon.
In-patients. Out-patients.
The patients treated in 1869
. . .
2,991
1870
6
4,607
1871
11
4,159
The hospital assistant is well spoken of by the Mamlutdar .
Dhanduka—Ahmadabad.
Population 9,782.
This dispensary was established in 1869,
600 rupees being contributed annually from
Local Fund.
The dispensary is in the centre of the town, close to the kutcherry
and school, it is of good size, and can accommodate 8 in-patients,
it is not a modern building.
In patients. Out-patients.
The total treated in 1869
. . .
1,469
1870
22
1,967
1871
51
1,909
There is a hospital assistant, 2 medical pupils, and 1 peon.
Sanand—Ahmaadabad.
This dispensary was built from Local Fund, costing Rs.4,000 in 1869
It is a small building, consisting of a centre
room dispensary, and two wards, one for
males and one for females, each for 4 beds.
There is also a waiting-room, a dead-house and cook-room, and ac-
commodation for the hospital assistant. The establishment consists
of a hospital assistant, an apprentice, peon, sweeper and bheestie.
I n - p a t i e n t s . Out-patients..
Treated in 1869
13
1,598
1 8 7 0
18
3,440
1871
16
3,227
Mahmudabd—Kaira
This dispensary was opened in February 1870. It was built by the
Population 6,000.
Population 7,163.
Honourable Mungaldass Nathobhai at a cost
of 5,000 rupees; it is pukka built, but the
money has been thrown away in a badly constructed building. It con-
sists of 3 rooms and 4 smaller rooms closed, the largest being 18 feet
by 14, the 2 middle rooms 12 by 14, the 4 closed 6 feet by 4; about
6 yards from the dispensary is a building on open arches, 24 feet by
17, built as a waiting-room for out-patients.
There is a small cook-room, but no post-mortem room or any ac
-commodation for establishment.
There is 1 hospital assistant, 1 apprentice, and 1 peon.
The total treated in the past year—1871—was 6,489.
Godhra—Panch Mahals.
The dispensary was erected at a cost of 6,328 rupees, the Directors
of the Panch Mahal Local Fund bearing
Population 10,116. the expense ; a ward has been added for
Police, costing 2,605 rupees, from Provincial Fund.
In 1870 there were treated ...
1,051
1871
... 4,227
It is in charge of a Sub-Assistant Surgeon, and has worked very
beneficially, an apprentice is required to assist in the duties.
Mhow Dispensary of Dorabjee Pestonjee.
On the 10th October 1870 the dispensary at Mhow was opened
for out-patients.
Mr. Dorabjee Pestonjee gives 10,000 rupees in Government 5 per
cent. securities as an endowment for a dispensary, and 2,000 towards
a building fund ; a further sum was subscribed by the inhabitants of
Mhow, and a suitable building was erected at a cost of Rs. 3,256.
It contains a dispensary and 2 wards, one for 8 men, one for 4
women, and a dead-house and a room for sweeper.
No money has been received from Local Fund, but application has
been made for a Government grant and also to the Cantonment
Committee
.
The dispensary is in charge of a 2nd class hospital assistant under
the superintendence of the Staff Surgeon.
In-patients. Out-patients.
The total treated in 1869 was
...
... 663
1870...
... 26 3,794
Muhooda.
Muhooda Dispensary is supported by Local Fund. The dispen
-
sary building is a mud cutcha building,
Population 10,000. containing 3 rooms ; it is in the kutcherry
compound.
There is a room to accommodate 4 patients in all.
I have received no returns from this dispensary, the Collector
The books have been re- took away the books to facilitate an en
-ceived since I wrote this. quiry as to the expenses of the dispensary.
Total treated in 1870 ... ... ... 6,944
1871 ... ... ... 10,346
204
Jambusar—Broach.
Population 11,333.
Was instituted in 1869, and in 1870 a pucka building was erected,
costing 11,232 rupees paid by Local Fund,
containing a large centre room and 2
wards for 6 beds and a good verandah ; there is store-room, cook-
room, and privies ; no dead-house or accommodation for establish-
ment, consisting of one 3rd class hospital assistant, 1 apprentice,
1 dispensary servant, and sweeper. Vaccination successfully car- -
ried on.
In-patients. Out-patients.
The total treated in 1869
...
964
1870
18
3,235
1871
1
3,523
1856. 1857. 1858. 1859. 1860. 1861.
1 8 6 2 . 1863. 1864. 1865. 1866. 1867. 1868. 1869. 1870. 1871.
A h m a d a b a d
C o l l e c t o r a t e .
Beechurdass Dispensary ... ... ... ... ...
. . . ... ... ... ...
. . . 4,218 5,675 7,195 8,173 8,653 9,365
Raipur ... ... ... ... ...
. . . ...
...
. . .
...
. . .
. . . 6,377 8,510 11,583 14,695 13,295 13,925 12,648
Gogo ... . . .
. . . 203 430 1,086 1,531 1,703 1,712 2,168 1,661 2,184 2,791 2,307 2,244 2,576 4,440 5,307 5,368
Sanand ... ...
. . .
. . .
. . . . . . ...
. . . . . .
. . . ...
. . . ... ...
. . .
. . . 1,611 3,458 3,275
Veramgaon
. . . . . . ... ...
. . . ...
...
. . . ...
. . . . . . ... ...
. . . 4,009 5,546 5,137 5,730
Dholka ...
. . . . . . ... ... ...
. . . ... ... ... ... 1,945 3,590 4,512 4,089 5,301 6,307 7,457 7,246
Dhanduka ... ...
. . . ... ...
. . . ... ... . . .
... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1,469 1,989 1,960
Dhollera ... ...
...
. . . ... ... ... ... . . .
... ... ... 2,820 2,806 2,928 3,426 3,873 3,709 3,687
Prantej ... ... ... ... ... ...
. . . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 2,991 4,601 4,159
Total... ...
2 0 3 430 1,086 1,531 1,703 1,712 2,168 1,661 4,129 15,558 22,353 26,522 37,202 47,695 54,236 53,438
K a i r a
C o l l e c t o r a t e .
Mahmudabad ... .... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
. . . ... ... ... ... ... ...
6,489
Nariad ... ... ... ... ... ...
. . . ... ...
... . . .
. . .
. . . 158 10,586 14,787 14,711 13,099 16,196
Borsad ... ... ... ... ...
. . . ...
. . . ... ... ...
. . .
. . . ... 2,329 3,768 4,453 4,590 5,350
Dakor ... ... ...
. . . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 5,378 5,320 5,468 4,912 4,519
Kapadvang
. . . . . . ... ...
...
. . . . . .
. . . ... ... ... ... 1,732 6,178 7,171 7,953 7,823 6,402
Mahooda ... ... ... ...
. . . ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 6,944 10,346
Total
. . . . . . ... ...
. . .
. . . . . . ... ... ... ... ... 1,890 24,471 31,046 32,585 37,368 49,302
Jambusar, "Broach Collec-
torate"
. . .
. . . . . . ... ...
. . . ...
...
. . . ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
964 3,235 3,524
Godhra, "Panch Mahals" ...
...
. . . ...
...
. . . ...
. . . . . . ... ...
. . . . . .
. . .
1 , 0 5 1
4 , 2 2 7
Mhow
. . .
. . . . . . ... ...
. . . ...
...
. . . ...
. . . . . . ... ...
. . . . . .
. . . 663 3,820
Total
. . .
... 203 430 1,086 1,531 1,703 1,712 2,168 1,661 4,129 15,558 24,243 50,993 68,248
8 1 , 2 4 4
9 6 , 5 5 3 114,311
206
In conclusion, as bearing on the general health of the province, I
beg to remark how much the general well-being of the community is
sacrificed to the greed or laziness of individuals in the villages, in the
neglect of attention to ordinary sanitary rules. In the greater num-
ber of villages, particularly in the Kaira Collectorate and adjoining
Guicowaree districts, close to the centre circle of houses and adjoining
the roads, are deep ditches in which cattle manure and human ordure
lies seething till it is required for the fields, the stench in passing these
villages at night is sickening; also on all sides of the road around the
village manure heaps are deposited, and, as in most villages, this road
leads to the tank by a time-worn slope, the walls of the tank being
lowered by constant traffic, the first fall of rain washes out these
road-side ditches, and the tank is filled with this liquid manure.
These manure heaps should not be so immediately in contact with the
dwelling-houses, and the feeders of the tank should be attended to.
What enables the villagers to maintain average health, I believe to
be the fact, that a great many live in their fields day and night in
open sheds.