15

CALCUTTA MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS.

       Cholera cases have been more numerous than in the previous three years, as shewn
below:—

Cholera.

and the rate of mortality has been higher.

       37. Under its new phase of existence as a hospital connected with the vernacular medical
school, with its additional staff of teachers and of resident medical officers, it is hoped that
improved results may be shewn in future years; but from the nature of the cases brought,
including the rejected of all other hospitals, a high rate of mortality will probably always
distinguish it.

Resident
Apothecary.

       Dr. Woodford again speaks in terms of high commendation of Mr. Apothecary Hamilton,
who appears to have discharged his duties most creditably.

POLICE CHOWKEEDAR HOSPITAL.

       38. The sickness treated in this hospital during 1873 has been less than in 1872:—

Summary

       The deaths have been 43, against 65 in 1872.

       The statement in the margin gives concisely the percentages of admissions, deaths, and
daily average of sick in this and
the previous five years. By this
the daily average of sick is shown
to have been less in 1873 than in
any of the previous years.

       The deaths to treated have
been only 21.66 per thousand;
of deaths to strength, 14.26; and
the daily average sick under
treatment, 93.08. These figures
are more favorable than those
of the Native Army, the
returns for which for 1872 are
appended, 1873 not being yet
available; and this notwithstanding the much more trying duties of the police force. Much of
this good result is, no doubt, due to the care taken in recruiting; much also probably is due to the
large number of resignations. It is likely that men who feel their health and strength
unfit them for the prolonged hours of duty and the exposure, prefer to leave the force, if
possible, before sickness or death overtake them; but this and other points cannot be properly
considered without a regular "gain and loss statement," which Dr. Woodford does not
furnish.

Comparison with Native Army.

       39.     Dr. Woodford gives figures showing the number of admissions and of deaths in
the town, suburbs, and river divisions of the force, and the admissions and deaths from different
police-sections or station-houses. As he has in this year's report given the strength of the
body from which admissions and deaths have taken place, these figures are both interesting
and valuable.

       40.     The sanitary condition of the hospital is reported as being much improved since
it was repaired, the street drainage completed, and the municipal water laid on; but
Dr. Woodford again brings to notice that "the native houses and latrines, which form the
north and western boundaries of the hospital premises, still pour out their noxious gases and
require proper drainage." This is certainly a most unfavorable state of things in the
immediate proximity of a hospital, and it appears to me most urgently necessary that the
further measures required to remedy the bad sanitary condition of the neighbourhood should
be taken without delay.

Sanitary condition
of hospital and its
neighbourhood.

Defective drainage.

       41.     Twenty-six cases of cholera with 11 deaths are reported, and the localities indicated
in the report in the appendix.

Cholera.

       42.     Mr. Apothecary McCormick is reported to have discharged his duties with the same
zealous care as in past years.

Resident
Apothecary.