NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
83
Beyond the sixth day no case occurred from amongst the Contacts ; the
three cases marked u R.C. " are from among " Re-Contacts."
Incubation.
From these figures the following inference may be drawn regarding
the incubation period of Plague :—
That detention for seven days under observation would be a
sufficient precaution.
From the starting of the camp no case of Plague occurred which
seemed to have its origin in the camp itself. This inference is supported
by the complete immunity enjoyed by the entire staff of the camp,
numbering 60 or more, and residing within the camp premises.
The staff of the camp consisted of—
1. The Chief Medical Officer—a qualified medical man who was
always a Commissioned Officer of the Army or Navy ;
2. The Resident Medical Officer, also a qualified medical man ;
3. The Sub-Medical Officer, a non-qualified man of some expe-
rience in Plague work ;
4. A Staff of three Nurses, one of them acting as Head Nurse ;
5. A varying number of Medical Students ;
6. A varying number of clerks ;
7. A staff of orderlies, ward-boys and menial servants.
Three Municipal Fire Brigade men were on duty in the camp night
and day, in charge of a hose reel in case of fire occurring.
Health
Camps.
Health Camps are both Public and Private. During January,
February and March the need for vacating infected houses and the
necessity for providing an outlet for those who were anxious to leave
infected sections of the city, but were prevented by the necessities of
their calling and position and by the difficulty and delay of passing out
of Bombay, led to the formation of Health Camps on the Port Trust
property, on the Esplanade, on the Kennedy Sea-face, at Kamathipura,
at Bycalla, and Dadar. The relaxing of the search and vacating rules
in March reduced the numbers of inmates in these camps. Still,
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except the Dadar Camps, the bulk of them have continued popular and
more or less completely occupied till the end of April.
In other respects the results of these Health Camps are satisfac-
tory. The health has been good, the inmates have been contented and
have left with regret. The low sites on which the Dadar, Byculla
and part of the Foras Road (Balaram) Camps have been built, and
the fair-weather flat-roofed structures on part of the Kennedy Sea-face,
will necessitate the removal of those camps before the close of May.
But the materials set at liberty will be usefully employed in strengthen-
ing against the rains the portions of the Balaram and Sea-face and
the Narielwadi and Esplanade Camps which should, if necessary,
even during the rains provide accommodation for ] ,000 inmates.
One object of Health Camps is to provide accommodation which
may be found useful when the Improvement Trust begins to clear evil
houses and to open streets and spaces. In Paris and in London the
early operations of similar City Improvers caused serious distress, because
those in charge failed to provide lodgings for the unhoused. The
Plague Committee were satisfied that in Bombay, if no steps were taken
to guard against it, the evil of excessive clearing of houses was likely to
prove specially serious. Rents would rise and the unwholesome
houses of the labouring classes would be more crowded than ever. To
relieve this pressure, care has been taken, when possible, to build camps
on sites raised and sheltered enough to give the huts, with necessary
strengthening, a fair chance of lasting during the rains.
Even in the case of low-lying sites where huts were not likely
to survive the rains, it was hoped that the result of transplanting people
from the crowded slums of Bombay to open land in the north of
the Island might encourage a permanent movement from the over-
crowded city to the open north. The temporary gain was evident.
Abundant and comfortable camp accommodation was the only
chance of staying the panic flight which marked severe local out-
breaks during the recent, as well as during the original, epidemic.
Five or six seizures ; two or three deaths in a chawl or in an
enclosure, and in a few hours the residents disappear, not uncommonly
leaving behind them a share of their goods and chattels. Free carriage
of their goods to free quarters reconciled most families to eviction.
They went readily and settled quietly, lived happily, gained health
and strength, and left, if they had to leave, with regret.
One of the lessons taught by the building of the Dadar Camp is
the extreme difficulty of arranging with inmates of the working classes
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to travel daily to the city, even though their railway fare is paid. At
first the chance that the difficulties would be overcome seemed hopeful.
Later the difficulties were increased—
(a) By the sense of insecurity caused by the riot of March
9th.
(b) By the lesseniüg of the fear of Plague when, about the
middle of March, the epidemic began to decline.
The very little use that has been made of the Dadar Camp is one
of the chief failures in the Committee's programme,
One main object of the Bombay Health Camps was to pass through
the camps the greatest possible- number of the poorer classes who live
in insanitary houses. Fourteen clear days is laid down as the minimum
of effective detention. In practice, it has been found difficult to get rid
of inmates even after an interval of fourteen clays.
The inmates of Health Camps who have fulfilled fourteen clear
days may be grouped in three classes :—
(a) Those who wish to leave Bombay.
(δ) Those who wish to return to their former houses.
(c) Those who wish to go to new lodgings.
A fourth class may be added :—
(d) Those who are willing to stay in the camp or, if necessary,
to move into another Health Camp.
As to (a);—unless since their arrival a case of Plague has occurred
in their hut, all inmates who wish to leave Bombay should be provided
with a certificate of health, of fourteen days' residence in a Health
Camp, and of freedom from any sign of Plague. As a rule, no application
for such a certificate should be refused, and every facility should be given
for the immediate grant of the necessary pass to any individual or family
anxious to leave.
As to (b);—that is, inmates who have been in camp fourteen clear
days and wish to go to their former quarters, the Camp Master should
ascertain whether the house to which the applicant for discharge belongs
has been duly disinfected and passed as fit for use, If the house has
been passed as fit for use, the inmates should bo discharged as soon as
possible after the fourteen days have been fulfilled.
NOTE.—Tho value of a Health Camp and the credit of a Camp Master depend on the
number of inmates ho can pass through his camp disinfected and free from the chance of
fresh infection by the occurrence of any case of Plague in the camp. It follows that, while
the inmate is undergoing the fourteen days' detention, the Camp Master should ascertain
and arrange with his superior officer that steps bo taken to secure that the inmate's lodging
is ready to receive him at the end of the fourteen days.
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The case of (c);—that is, of persons under detention who do not
wish to return to their former lodgings, is more difficult. In theory it is
desirable (1) that such persons should during their period of detention
look for some new lodgings and inform the Camp Master ; (2) that
the Camp Master should forward the address given to the District
Plague Officer to ascertain if the proposed dwelling is fit for use. In
practice, it seems unlikely that such arrangement will work. The
procedure will prove difficult and burdensome, and it will fail to secure
that the inmate does not within one or two days move from the approved
house where he pleases. It therefore seems best to allow inmates to
choose their lodging and to confine operations to securing that, so far as
possible, few insanitary and no infected houses may be open for casual
occupation.
The fourth class of inmates are those who prefer camp to hired
lodgings.
In city camps it is not advisable, except in special circumstances, to
allow inmates to remain in camp for more than fourteen days. In the
case of inmates who prefer camp-life, or in the case of inmates whose
houses are not ready for use at the end of fourteen days, or whose houses
may have been condemned as unfit, arrangements should be made to
remove them from the original city camp to the main camp at Dadar.
Such inmates should be taken to Dadar free of charge and be handed
to the Camp Master, who will assign them quarters. They, or
at least the bread-winners of each family, should be provided with a
railway ticket for a daily journey to work and accommodation in
Bombay. Such families will be allowed to stay in the Dadar Camp so
long as they choose, unless their quarters at Dadar are urgently wanted,
in which case arrangements will be made for conveying them to some
other camp or to a lodging. It is to be understood that though, as a
rule, those who prefer it may remain permanently in the Dadar Camp,
any inmates who wish must be allowed to leave the Dadar Camp at the
end of fourteen ordinary days' detention.
As a rule, families told off for the Dadar Camps will be taken out
of Ward Health Camps. Such families will reach the Dadar Camp with
bedding and clothing disinfected by steam. When families are moved
from their dwellings direct to the Dadar Camps, they should be stopped
either at the Agripada or the Wari Bunder Camp and have their heavy
kit, bedding, quilts and padded clothing sterilised.
Byculla Camp.
The Health Camp known as the Byculla Camp, situated on
the north side of the Morland Road in Byculla, was ono of the principal
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camps. As it was not then known to what extent eviction would be
carried, orders were at first given for only sixty huts, each containing
two rooms (20' X 20').
In the middle of January, when the vacating of infected houses
was commenced on a large scale, the Committee gave orders for the
camp to be extended, as quickly as possible, to accommodate about
7,000 people, with corresponding latrine accommodation at the rate of
50 persons for each latrine seat. The masonry washing-places con-
structed by the Muncipality soon proved insufficient for the increas-
ing number of people ; three large corrugated iron washing-places,
each containing 40 taps, were therefore constructed as quickly as
possible.
For the purpose of collecting household slops and remnants of
food, which would otherwise have been thrown in front of the huts, a
bucket was placed opposite each door and a small iron tank-cart
drawn by one bullock made a round of the camp twice a clay or
oftener if the Camp Master thought necessary. Into this tank-cart the
buckets were poured by the camp sweepers, and the contents of the
carts were emptied into the drain which runs through the middle of the
camp.
For prevention against fire two fire-stations were erected and four
men were placed on duty in each under the Chief of the Fire Brigade.
At each fire-station was kept a hose reel containing 200 yards of hose
and six grappling irons. Water was always obtainable from the main on
the Morland Road adjoining the camp. The grappling irons were for
the purpose of pulling clown a line of huts immediately in the course
of the fire. To prevent the risk of fire breaking out in cooking-places,
a triangular sheet of iron, 2 1 -6 11 high, was placed in the corner of each
hut behind the hearth, the iron plate was placed about six inches from
the side of the hut, and the space behind was filled with earth.
On the arrival of Evicts in camp, a room was assigned to each
family. But if the family consisted of more than eight persons,
two rooms were allowed. The names of the occupants of each room
and the district from winch they had been sent were registered in the
camp office. In February 1898, house-vacation was being carried on so
vigorously that other Health Camps were soon filled, and people from
all parts of the city were sent to the Byculla Camp. The average daily
number received in camp was from 50 to 200 ; on the 22nd of Febru-
ary 544 were received, and on the 19th of March 1,056.
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As was to be expected from receiving so many people from the
worst infected parts of the city, cases of Plague commenced to occur
among the occupants of the camp.
A Resident Medical Officer was then appointed to the camp ; but,
as the work of morning and evening inspections was found far beyond
the power of one man, four Hospital Students were sent to assist him.
From the commencement of the occupation of the camp until the
middle of April there were 70 cases of Plague in the camp. Out of
these, 61 cases occurred within five or six days of admittance into camp
and 9 occurred after ten days' residence.
As there was no steam disinfector in the camp, the belongings
of all persons coming into camp were exposed to the sun daily.
When a case of Plague was detected in the camp, it was im-
mediately sent to a Plague Hospital, and the hut in which the case was
found, the huts on either side, and the room behind, were all vacated,
the roofing was taken off, and the infected room was disinfected with
Perchloride of Mercury. The Contacts were sent to the Wari Bunder
Camp. The bedding of the sick person and any rubbish found in the
room were burned.
As the number of people in camp increased, the staff had to be
supplemented until at the beginning of March, when the camp was
almost full, it consisted of 1 Camp Master, 1 Doctor and 4 assistants,
3 clerks, 2 peons, 2 disinfecting coolies, 2 ambulance-bearers, 40
sweepers, and 40 halalkors. The lighting of the camp was done
by the Municipality.
The total number of people who passed through the Byculla Camp
was 14,400, and the greatest number in the camp at one time was
5,140 on the 1st of March,
At the beginning of March, when the camps at Dadar were ready for
occupation, it was proposed to move out all people from the Byculla
Camp whose houses in the town were either unfit for human habitation,
or could not be suitably repaired for a considerable length of time, and
make way for people who would only be obliged to remain the necessary
fourteen days in camp. A steam steriliser was put up in the camp,
and all people who, under the above circumstances, were to be sent
out to Dadar, either from the Byculla Camp or any part of the town,
were to have their belongings first disinfected here. This procedure
89
was prevented by the issue of orders restricting the compulsory vacation
of houses.
Dadar Camps.
These two camps were constructed in accordance with instruc-
tions given by Government at an informal meeting of the Committee
called by His Excellency the Governor at Government House on Febru-
ary 8th, 1898.
It was then proposed to build accommodation for 20,000 persons.
This proposal however was not entirely carried out, two camps only
being built, each with accommodation for 4,900 persons. The first of
the camps was opened on March 5th, when 150 people were admitted
from Girgaum Road, It had been arranged to transfer from 2,000 to
4,000 persons from the Byculla Camp to the Dadar Gamps, owing to the
houses from which they had been removed either not being ready for
re-occupation or having been condemned as unfit for human habitation ;
but, in consequence of the issue of new orders in regard to Plague opera-
tions, this plan could not be carried out.
The total number of people admitted into the Dadar Camp was
1,017, and these mostly left after remaining the requisite fifteen days,
the objection being in most cases taken that the situation of the camp
was inconvenient for their work. During their residence the inmates
appeared contented, and their health was remarkably good, the only sick-
ness being two cases of Plague, which developed, one seven days, and
one eight days, after admission into camp.
To bonâ fide labourers free railway tickets were given to and from
their work, provided they brought certificates from their employers to
the effect that they were in regular employ. Huts for better-class
families were erected within the precincts of the camp with four rooms
to each, for which a rent of Rs. 10 a month was charged. The following
agreement was signed by persons occupying these :—
NOTICE
TO OCCUPANTS OF BETTER-CLASS HUTS IN DADAR CAMP.
1. The rental of each hut has been fixed at Rs. 10 per month,
which must be paid in advance.
2. Those wishing for huts must understand clearly that they must
be content with all arrangements as they find them. No structural or
other alterations of huts, hearths (chulas), lavatories or latrines will be
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permitted under any circumstances, and the occupants must conform
to all rules which may be framed for the whole camp. Chulas are
now being built in huts.
3. A daily medical inspection of all occupants will be insisted on
and must be submitted to.
4. Each hut will consist of four rooms, and not more than one hut
can be assigned to one family.
5. The Camp Superintendent reserves the right of dismissing any
one from the camp who may be in any way objectionable, without
refund of any moneys received.
6. Before any hut is assigned, the head of the family is required
to sign this paper to the effect that he is willing to submit to these rules.
7. Before permission to reside in the camp is given, a certificate
must be produced from the District Medical Officer to the effect that
there has been no recent case of Plague in the family.
Superintendent, Dadar Camp,
Date,
1898.
Chulas (hearths) were in most instances provided outside the rows of
huts, and for greater safety against fire they were built with shelter
from the sun and wind. Where this was not possible, a small brick wall
was constructed in the angle of the hut and sis inches from the side.
A 3" water pipe was laid through the camp, on which was fixed a
number of hydrants, and a staff of three Municipal Fire Brigade
men were always on duty in charge of a hose reel. The latrine and
washing accommodation was on the same scale as in the Byculla Camp.
A Military Guard of 1 havildar and 15 sepoys, 8th Bombay
Infantry, was placed in charge of each camp.
The following staff was proposed for the camps when full :—
1 Camp Master. .1 Doctor. 1 Compounder. 4 Clerks.
1 Lampman.
1 Office-boy. 4 Inspectors. 3 Peons. 51 Bigaris and Halalkors.
Byculla Bridge
Camp.
This camp was for low-caste people only. It was erected in
October 1897, though half of it was not used till February 1898.
There is accommodation for 230 people, and 400 have been admitted
altogether. There have been 9 deaths up to date : 4 from Plague, and
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5 from other causes. Nine cases have been removed to hospital, of
whom 4 had Plague and 5 relapsing fever. There are two watchmen
in charge, but no other special establishment.
Narielwadi
Health Camp.
This camp, built on the Port Trust land adjoining the Reay Road,
was constructed in February last and was ready for occupation on March
the 1st. It was actually occupied on March the 6th. The camp can hold
750 people comfortably, and is at present practically full. The total
number of admissions has been 924. Six cases of Plague have been
removed to hospital from it, and two deaths, due to causes other than
Plague, have occurred in the camp. Up to date there have been no
births. The staff consists of a Camp Master, four watchmen, and
eight sweepers. Water has been laid on, and latrine accommodation
provided.
Kennedy Sea-
face Gamp.
This camp was opened on the 20th of March 1898 and provides I
accommodation for 3,000 persons. It was intended for people removed
from infected houses in Dhobi Talao, Phanaswadi, Girgaum and Chau-
pati. Special arrangements were made for high and low caste persons,
the camp being divided by a fence for this purpose. Up to the end of
March 964 persons were in occupation, of whom 5 developed Plague
within seven days of their admission into the camp, and were removed to
hospital. Besides the above-mentioned accommodation, a series of
superior huts were provided for Government and Municipal clerks at a
rent of Rs. 20. This amount was reduced as the time before the com-
mencement of the rains became shorter.
Groculdas
Tejpal Camp,
This camp was built to accommodate persons sent from infected
houses in the Market District. It was opened on the 7th March 1898.
The huttage accommodation was for 1,500 people. During the month of
March it contained its full complement. Twelve persons developed
Plague in the camp, and three died before they could be removed to
hospital. A small detachment of the Durham Light Infantry resided in
the camp and served the double purpose of Guard and Camp Inspectors.
They also superintended the disinfecting of the persons and belongings of
arrivals in camp at the beginning of March, until it was found impossible
to disinfect on such a large scale without a steam disinfector. This
camp was very popular with the people, who,when once there, preferred
to stay rather than return to their houses. It was situated very con-
veniently for the bazaar and for their work. Excellent fire arrangements
were made, and the presence of several wells in the camp considerably
facilitated matters.
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Elphinstone
Camp.
This camp is situated on the north portion of the Maidan, known
as the General Parade Ground. It was intended for people from
infected houses in the Esplanade and Fort Districts. Cases of Plague
having occurred among the men of the 21st Bombay Infantry, the Mili-
tary Authorities obtained permission from the Committee to turn the
regiment out of their lines into this camp. It was occupied on the 6th
of April 1898. There is hutting accommodation for 1,500 people, with
proportionate latrine and water arrangements. No case of Plague has
occurred among the occupants of the camp. The staff of the 21st
Bombay Infantry have been responsible for the cleanliness of the camp.
Cruickshank
Camp.
This camp is situated on the south-east portion of the Brigade
Parade Ground on the side of Cruickshank Road, from which it derives
its name. It was intended for people from infected houses in the
Esplanade and Fort Districts. The camp is capable of holding from
750 to 800 persons. It was opened on 28th March 1898. The number
of people in camp on the 15th of April was 192. No case of Plague
has occurred among the occupants of the camp. The staff of the
camp in the month of April was 1 Camp Master, 4 watchmen, 5
sweepers, 4 halalkors and 1 lampman.
Elphinstone
Bridge Camp.
This camp was built to accommodate persons removed from infected
houses in Nowroji Hill, and was opened on January the 20th, 1898. The
total huttage accommodation was for 500 people. In all 783 persons
passed through the camp. Three cases of Plague occurred, all within
seven days of occupation, and from the same house.
Ellapa Balla-
ram's Camp.
This camp, situated in ForasRoad, Tardeo, is purely a Health Camp,
and has been established by the munificence of Rao Saheb Ellapa
Ballaram, the enlightened head of the Kamathis. Though intended for
Kamathis, it was generously thrown open for the use also of Marathas
evicted from Kamathipura. It was opened OD December 12th, 1897, with
158 huts, estimated to hold 790 people, to which were added during March
189 more huts, raising the possible total of inmates to 1,735. The total
number of admissions has been 1,447, amongst whom there have been
2 births and 12 deaths, while 17 cases of sickness, 16 of which were
Plague, have been removed to hospital. One curious case may be
quoted. The carnp staff consists of a Camp Master, 4 watchmen, 1 lamp-
man, 6 coolies and 5 scavengers.
The water and latrine arrangements are complete, and the camp is
kept in excellent order. A fire hose reel, in charge of men belonging to
the Fire Brigade, is kept at the gateway,