No. 1657 L., 30TH AUGUST 1897.
3
Coimbatore
..
..
..
—
Trichinopoly
..
..
..
—
South Arcot
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..
..
—
Ananatapur .. .. .. —
Tinnevelly .. .. .. .. —
Madhura .. .. .. .. —
Malabar
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..
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—
Chingleput .. .. .. —
6,790
6,014
4,004
3,304
2,081
1;013
139
38
(8,827) and Nellore (8,767). It is noteworthy that Vizagapatam showed the largest
falling off in 1895-96 and that there was
a large decrease also in Kistna in that year.
On the other hand, there was a decline in
the eight districts noted in the margin.
In South Arcot there was a decrease in
the previous year also, while in Tinne¬
velly and Malabar, this has occurred for
the last three years in succession. The
explanations of this which have been
offered cannot be considered adequate, and the earnest attention of the Presidents
of the district boards concerned is drawn to the subject. The average outturn of
each vaccinator was highest in Vizagapatam (2,584); Trichinopoly followed next
with 2,013 cases ; and the average was more than 1,500 cases in Chingleput, Coimba¬
tore, Madura, Salem, South Canara, Tanjore and Tinnevelly. Compared with the
previous year, there was a large advance in Vizagapatam from 1,930 to 2,584,
which is noted with satisfaction, and a corresponding fall in Kurnool from 1,985
to 1,359, which has not been explained. The reported quality of the work done
showed a general fall—thirteen districts exhibiting a lower percentage of success than
in the previous year and the total proportion of success falling from 92.5 to 92.0—
but this was probably due to more accurate returns and more careful supervision on
the part of the verifying officers. The percentage of reported success including
revaccinations was high in the Nilgiris (99.3), Trichinopoly (98.6), Cuddapah (98.4),
Madura (98.4) and South Arcot (98.3). The lowest figures were reported in
Malabar (81.9), Nellore (82.8), Gódávari (83.2),Tanjore (83.6) and Ganjám (84.7).
The percentage of success verified by the Inspector of Vaccination during his special
tours was only 79.8, and there is reason to believe that the figures reported by the
Vaccination staff are not always trustworthy. The general percentage of success
throughout local fund areas in respect of revaccinations is shown as 81.3. Several
districts however return more than 90 per cent. These extraordinary results, coupled
as they are with a high percentage of success in primary vaccinations, require explana-
tion. It is probable that in some places revaccination is misunderstood and that
persons in whose case the primary operation has failed and who have been subse-
quently vaccinated are shown under the head of " revaccination." The subordinate
staff should be made clearly to understand that revaccination is applicable only to
cases in which there has been previously a successful primary vaccination. The
average cost of each successful case which was As. 3-3 in 1895-96 fell by one pie
in the year under review. It varied from As. 6 in the Nilgiris to As. 2-1 in Salem,
and was more than As. 4 in Anantapur, Bellary, Cuddapah, Gódávari, Kurnool and
Malabar. The cost in Anantapur, Bellary, Kurnool and Malabar was also higher
than in the previous year, and the district boards concerned should take early steps
towards reducing the high cost in the current year. The work done in the different
districts will be more fully noticed in reviewing the administration reports of the
district boards. With regard to paragraph 8 of the report, the Inspector will be
referred to G.O., Mis. No. 3899, Revenue, dated 30th September 1896, copy of which
will now be communicated to him. The question of compulsory vaccination in unions
or portions of a district will be considered in connection with the draft Bill to amend
the Local Boards Act.
7. Municipalities.—Vaccination was compulsory in the City of Madras and in all
the district municipalities in the presidency, except Tiruvannámalai and Chingleput,
which were newly constituted municipalities during the year. It has since been
made compulsory in Chingleput and immediate action should be taken, if this has not
already been done, to bring into operation in Tiruvannámalai the compulsory provisions
of the law. The total number of reported operations by the municipal vaccinators fell
from 120,190 to 118,655, the decline occurring chiefly in Palghat (1,224), Masuli-
patam (921) and Negapatam (564). There was also a retrogression in 29 other towns.
It is a matter for regret that this has occurred for the past three years in succession
in Palghat. Vizagapatam and Tellicherry and for the past four years in Ellore, Coca¬
nada, Tinnevelly and Mangalore. The special attention of the councils concerned is