Sanitary ar
-rangements.
Provisions.
Drill.
Exercises.
Vaccination.
Diseases.
18
MEDICAL AND SANITARY REPORT OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF MADRAS.
o n
b o a r d s h i p o n t h e 5 t h M a y , f i v e d a y s a f t e r t h e r e g i m e n t s a i l e d . H e w a s t r a n s f e r r e d t o t h e
small-pox hospital at Singapore on the recommendation of the senior medical officer at that
station. The results of vaccination were very satisfactory, as shown in Table No. 9, page 7
of the Annual Return of Sick. A copy of my report at the time on the subject was furnished
to the Inspector-General. I took the opportunity of suggesting the advisability of revac
-
cinating the regiment, including all followers, a short time before going on foreign service, as
both life and expense to the State would be considerably saved, I believe, in consequence.
Dengue appeared in the regiment on the 24th August 1872, and the last case was admitted
on the 23rd November 1872. Total number admitted 351. About 23rd November heavy rains
set in, and I believe had the effect of driving away the epidemic. At the commencement the
disease was attended with more acute symptoms. Cases became milder as the disease began
to decrease. No death occurred from it. The average duration of each case was 9.06
days. The symptoms were very high fever, resembling the preliminary fever of small-pox,
generally lasting two days; pains in all the joints, rarely swelling ; tongue always pecu
-
liarly white ; constipation rarely occurred.
Treatment.—Black draught was ordered when required. No further medicines were
necessary. The men were kept in hospital as long as the fever lasted, and were then made
"out sick," and marched once or twice a day to the hospital. The hospital is about a
mile from where the men live. I believe the exercise did them much good.
Ague prevailed in the regiment more or less, until dengue appeared ; after which, as
long as dengue continued, only one case was admitted. After dengue disappeared, ague
occasionally occurred.
Eleven deaths took place during the year—three from phthisis, one from general
dropsy, one from diarrhæa, one from aortic valve disease, one from softening of the brain, one
from general debility, one from injuries. One old man sent on sick leave for debility died
in Cannanore, and one man died suddenly of syncope in the bazaar.
Phthisis may be attributed to the variable climate of Hong-Kong, which is for half the
year especially cold and trying to the natives of India.
The men were rationed at Hong-Kong. Their food was very good, and seemed to agree
with them. The water-supply was abundant. The barracks were very good and well
ventilated. The hospital was just large enough for ordinary occasions. The hospital in
Palaveram is a well constructed bomb-proof building, and accommodates 24 men inside and
seven in the verandahs, without overcrowding. The latrine seems to answer the purpose.
I . M . ' s 2
8 t h R e g i m e n t M a d r a s N a t i v e I n f a n t r y .
The 28th garrisoned Vellore thoughout 1872. During the first half of the
year, Surgeon W. S. Fox held medical charge, but was then withdrawn for civil
duty. He was succeeded in the regimental charge by Surgeon-Major J. Wilkins,
M . D . , w h o w r i t e s a s f o l l o w s : —
Climate.
Ventilation
and drainage
for the men's
huts, guard
-
rooms, &c.
Climate.—The first four months of the year were extremely dry. In May, however, rain
fell very heavily, over 13 inches falling in the space of 30 hours, from this time until
A u g u s t . T h e r a i n f a l l w a s a g a i n s c a n t y , b u t d u r i n g A u g u s t , S e p t e m b e r , a n d N o v e m b e r
there have been numerous heavy showers. The state of the weather does not appear to
have had any marked effect on the troops.
Ventilation and drainage for the men's huts, guard-rooms, & c.—The lines of the regi
-
ments are the worst, without any exception that I have ever seen in India. They are placed
on very low ground; and, although every means available to promote drainage and sanitation
is taken, still they are far from being what they ought to be at the present time, in conse
-
quence of many of the huts having been washed down by the floods of May. 200 of the men
with their families are located in the road.
Any Nuisance
during the
year.
Any nuisance during the year.—A new latrine has been built during the past year for
the quarter guard. The whole of the latrines for the lines were washed down by the floods,
and up to the present time have not been replaced.
Water-supply.
Water-supply—Good and abundant from two wells.
Sanitary arrangements. —General conservancy of neighbourhood is carefully looked
after.
Provisions.—Provisions cheap and plentiful. Compensation for rice allowed.
Drill.— Drill in the cool season four days a week, and in the hot season twice a week.
During the prevalence of dengue even this was relaxed.
Exercises.—There is a gymnasium, but not very many of the men frequent it.
Vaccination. —Vaccination has been regularly kept up. Number of cases 289. No
re-vaccination of the men of corps has been necessary.
Diseases.— Cholera was epidemic in the lines in January and February. Five cases
occurred among the men. All recovered.