Hospital.
Principal
diseases.
66
Sanitary
condition.
MEDICAL AND SANITARY REPORT OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF MADRAS.
Arrangements are being made for the erection of the remaining rows of huts of both wings. The
new lines are clean and well conserved; attempts have been made, and with some success, to
improve the domestic latrine and lavatory arrangements; ventilation might be improved some
-what in individual huts, the ridge ventilators having been closed in consequence of their admit
-ting rain. The drainage is by separate exits from each hut for ordinary and for fœcal wash, and,
external to the hut, by V-shaped stone drains, which are very efficient. The extension downwards
to the box-drain of the V-shaped drains is much required, especially as regards the eastern drains
of the right wing.
Sanitary condition. —There are two regimental latrines, one for males and one for females,
situated to the north of the right wing lines; they are open mud structures, and are on the dry-earth
system; they will presently be supplanted by two built latrines. There are no regimental latrines
in connexion with the left wing. Two municipal latrines in the neighbourhood afford the neces
-sary convenience. New latrines have been sanctioned.
Water-supply
Conservancy
of the neigh-
bourhood.
Water-supply. —Drinking water is obtained principally from No. 3 Reservoir; this water is
regarded as good, and is, as a rule, abundant. The source is, however, a suspicious one, and the
day is longed for when the military force here shall no longer be dependent upon a water system
so objectionable as the present one undoubtedly is.
Conservancy of the neighbourhood. —The conservancy of the neighbourhood of the lines is fair.
I have already commented upon the objectionable box-drains which skirt the northern ends of the
lines, and which present a large surface for evaporation and for retardation of the scanty stream
which flows through them. They are always more or less offensive, and from their size are kept
clean with great difficulty. A system of large V-shaped drains, though less efficient during the rains
for the conveyance of storm water, would at other times be amply sufficient, and would secure
the more rapid passage of the sewage, less evaporating surface, and greater facilities for
cleanliness.
Hospital.—There is room for nearly 18 patients, and in this climate more might be accom-
modated without risk of overcrowding.
The latrine is on the. dry-earth system, and has been much improved since last report. It
works well, and is always well conserved. The building is clean, well lighted, and efficiently
ventilated. The water-supply is sufficient.
Principal diseases. —Since last inspection (22nd December 1874) there have been 367 admis
-sions and no deaths. The chief diseases, &c., ranged in the order of their frequency, are ague,
wounds and accidents, rheumatism, febricula, eye diseases, abscess and ulcer, diarrhœa, and venereal.
Ague as usual heads the list, but the cases have been manageable ones. This disease will
doubtless diminish when the whole corps is properly hutted, when the drainage of the lines is
improved, and when the water-supply is obtained from a less contaminated source. The health
state and physique of the regiment are good, and contrast favourably with the health state and
physique of the regiment occupying the east hutting lines (23rd Regiment W.L.I.).
28th. Regiment Native Infantry.
STATION—MERCARA
.
Arrived from Vellore 17th February 1874.
Average strength..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
675
Do.
do.
present ..
..
..
.. ..
..
..
..
611
Admissions ..
.. ..
..
..
..
..
..
..
661
Daily sick..
..
..
..
.. ..
..
..
..
..
35
Deaths in hospital..
..
..
..
..
..
..
.. ..
9
Do. out of do.
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
1
Pensioned ..
..
.. ..
..
..
..
..
..
..
32
Sick leave..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
48
The following return shows the rates of sickness, deaths, and invaliding as
contrasted with previous years:—
Years.
Stations.
Rate per Cent. of
Average Strength Present.
Average S
trength.
Admissions. Daily Sick. All Deaths. Pensioned. Sick Leave.
1872 .. ..
Vellore ..
121.56
2.89
.85
..
1.27
1873 ..
Do. ..
52.89
1.78
..
7.89
1.33
1874 .. ..
Mercara ..
..
..
141.40
6.54
1.47
1.77
3.98
Average ..
105.28
3.73
.77
3.22
2.19
1875..
.. Mercara ..
..
..
108.18
5.72
1.48
4.74
7.11