( 4 )
Returns of the Kumaon and Gurhwal Depot.
Seasons.
1865-66,
1866-67,
Crusts.
19,150
22,315
Tubes.
1,895
2,214
8. From the returns it will be observed that the total number of successful
cases of vaccination throughout the whole North-Western Provinces has been but
1,61,711. With the present establishments ultimately it might be possible to double
this number—that is to say, when the people themselves are desirous of vaccination, and
aid and assist the Vaccinators in their work, instead of hindering them, as now, by
frequently refusing their services and throwing obstacles in their way. This number
might be still further increased by an extension of the establishment from Municipal
and Local Funds. Yet with all this, it is apparent that whatever may be done in this
direction, the sum total of vaccination will be but a mere drop in the ocean amongst
the 30 millions of the North-Western Provinces. Some plan must be devised
whereby vaccination can be brought to the door of every family; and this can only be
accomplished by enlisting the service of all native practitioners (bhainds, hukeems,
&c.) in the cause. The time, I think, has now arrived when in some parts of the North-
Western Provinces (such as the Rohilkund, Agra, and Cawnpore Districts, where vac-
cination is well understood and in some instances appreciated) an attempt should be
made to carry out the above scheme. I would therefore propose, then, an allotment of
Rs. 500, for the purpose should be made experimentally for next season. The plan I
recommend is, that during such time as the native practitioners are under instruction
in the art of vaccination, they should receive a maintenance allowance of Rs. 5 per
mensem; and that when fully taught and experienced, they should be supplied with in-
struments and virus, and receive a certificate of fitness from the Superintendent of the
Circle, and permission to practice vaccination on their own account, charging such fees
as are suited to the means of their patients, and subject to the supervision of the Vac-
cine Department of the district, when, in the event of bad vaccination or other irregu-
larities being discovered, the certificate would be withdrawn and further practice pro-
hibited. It is in this manner I see the only possible way to the introduction of vac-
cination for the protection of the masses. Government cannot out of its own resources
confer it; and until some such alternative system is adopted, small-pox will continue
to sweep off its thousands annually. Small -pox is the scourge of India, and numbers
more victims than all other diseases combined: and the knowledge of its being possible
to prevent it only adds to the sadness of the fact.
8. When the present system of vaccination was first sanctioned for the North-
western Provinces by the late Lieutenant-Governor, the Hon'ble Mr, Edmonstone,
the principle adopted was, speaking generally, one Vaccinator for each tehseel, and
a Native Superintendent for every two zillahs. As time has elapsed, new tehseels have
sprung up and other changes have occurred which renders it advisable to revise the
present establishments, and place them upon a more complete and satisfactory footing
than now prevails. Good Native Superintendents are the back-bone of the present system :
it is upon them that we have chiefly to rely as to the correctness of the returns and
the genuineness or otherwise of the vaccination given ;—to their influence we have to
look for the removal of prejudices on the part of the people, and for inducing the
principal natives to exert themselves in the cause, by example and persuasion. At the
outset of the system, one Native Superintendent for two zillahs was sufficient for the
purpose; but now that vaccination has become recognized as an important department of
the state, it follows that complete efficiency should be its leading characteristic; for it is the
sole vaccine teaching power, and upon its instructive capacities must the spread of vac-
cination entirely depend. Therefore, having reference to the above important duties