Report of the Health Officer, Corporation of Madras Health Department.

  • Madras (India). Health Department.
Date:
[1951]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Report of the Health Officer, Corporation of Madras Health Department. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    5/206
    During the year, decennial census was taken in February 1951. Accord¬ ing to this, the population of the city was 14,16,056. The estimated mid-year population for 1951 was 14,34,085. The vital statistics rates of 1950 were calculated on the estimated mid-year population of 1950 viz., 10,1.3,000, while the rates for 1951 are calculated on the estimated mid-year population viz., 14,34,085. It will, therefore, be seen that the comparison of the rates of 1950 with those of 1951 would be misleading. The decennium 1941-1951 was marked by an unprecedented increase in the population, almost double of what it was in 1941. An interesting feature worthy of note is a study of natural increase in population during the inter-censal period since tl871 (Page 3). There have been more deaths than births during 1871 to 1921. But from 1931, there has been a natural increase of births of 1,687 ; 47,367 and 91,543 respectively in the three successive inter-censal periods. This is a clear indication of impro¬ ved health conditions in the city and a clear evidence that the city is no longer a death-trap as it used to be described thirty years ago. The year under report was a specially difficult one due to the continu¬ ance of drought conditions for the fifth successive year and the consequent acute shortage of water supply in the city. Inspite of this, the vital statis¬ tics reveal no deterioration. There was a fall in the infant mortality from 187.73 in 1950 to 166.57 in 1951. This is encouraging. Cholera, which was prevalent in the city in the previous half-year’ continued in a sporadic form during the year and it marked the maximum incidence in September 1951. Utmost vigilance was called for and all preven¬ tive measures had to be taken throughout the year. Additional staff had to be appointed from time to time to concentrate on preventive measures in the affected areas. Additional staff and accommodation had to be provided at the Infectious Diseases Hospital, Tondiarpet, to cope up with the situation. The incidence of Small-pox showed a decline during the year. Enteric Fever continued to be prevalent in the city in a sporadic form throughout the year and there were 810 reported cases. This disease is difficult to control particularly when the incidence is sporadic. In this connection, I would urge the need for the more susceptible of the population, particularly students, to get themselves protected against this fell disease by T. A. B. inoculation at the commencement of the term in July. The various medical services rendered through this Department, dispen¬ saries, hospitals, special clinics for leprosy, venereal disease and tuberculosis have been very useful as evidenced by the increasing number of citizens availing themselves of these services. Special mention may be made of Tuberculosis Service. As indicated in my last report, four more clinics have been opened pursuant to the acceptance both by the Government and the Corporation of the recommendations of the Sub-Committee appointed by the Madras Tuberculosis Association. These clinics have been rendering »relief to an increasing number of patients. But the problem of finding accommoda¬ tion for those needing hospitalisation is most acute especially now that there is more case finding through these clinics. It is, therefore, necessary that the other part of the recommendations viz., provision of more beds, needs immediate implementation. The Council has provided funds for acquiring additional site for providing more beds. It is for the Tuberculosis Association and Government to discharge their responsibility under the scheme by providing more beds.