78

REPORT OF THE CALCUTTA LOCK HOSPITALS.

       3. It seems remarkable that the mortality has been so small at the Lock hospitals
during the past year; and looking to the fact that only three women died from diseases of an
asthenic type, it would seem that the prostitute class generally maintain themselves in good
health and condition; indeed, that seems to be the general characteristic of the women that
have come under my notice in the hospitals; there seems to be little destitution amongst the
class generally.

       4. I would again invite attention to the high cost at which these hospitals are
maintained under the head of establishment. Rs. 109 per patient per annum is a very large
sum to pay for the treatment of venereal disease and the inspections which are made at the
hospitals.

       5. I hope next year to be able to report a considerable reduction in the cost of all
other hospital charges.