M 59
These figures are fairly constant from year to year.
It will be seen that the superiority of Western over Eastern medicine, as judged by mortality is as 9:1 where there is a specific remedy and as 2:1 where such has not been evolved.
OUT-PATIENT DEPARTMENT.
Native treatment (new and old cases), Western " ( " ), ... 116,971 20,023
It will be seen that of the total (136,994) 85.4% received Eastern and 14.6% Western remedies. This compares with 86.4% and 13.6% in 1916. This ratio shows little variation from year to year and will probably remain constant till the Western-trained staff is increased in numbers.
REMARKS ON SPECIAL DISEASES.
Beri-beri.-In all 826 cases were treated with 291 deaths, i.e., 35.2%. In 1916 there were 706 cases with 37.8% mortality. In 1915 the figures were 685 and 28.1%.
It is to be noted that more careful examination of the patients in the wards of the medical clinic frequently revealed the fact that in addition to the disease for which the patient had been admitted he was also suffering from beri-beri.
Such additions would probably bring the total up to 1,000.
It may, therefore, be said that some 20% of all patients in hospital were suffering from beri-beri.
The number of cases of this disease is increasing and must be considered as easily the most important cause of physical disability among the poorer class of natives.
It has a lower mortality than phthisis but probably causes more general harm than that malady.
Malaria.--There were 303 cases treated with 102 deaths, i.e., 33.6%. In 1916 there were 311 cases with 32.8% mortality.
The following were the various types as differentiated by microscopic examination :--
Malignant 257 cases with 94 deaths. Benign tertian, 34 " 2 " Quartan, 10 " 0 " Malarial cachexia, 2 " 0 "The usual routine as to treatment was observed.