MEDICAL.

CALCUTTA, THE 7TH AUGUST 1877.

RESOLUTION.

READ—

      Report on the Calcutta Medical Institutions for 1876.

Read—

      The Reports for 1874 and 1875 and the Resolutions recorded upon them.

     THE returns for the past year show a slight falling off in the number of
patients treated at the different medical institutions of the town and suburbs.
The number, however, is still so much greater than that attained in any year
before 1875, that it is manifest that the popularity of these institutions is
still unimpaired. The following table shows the extent to which the public
resorted to the different hospitals and dispensaries during the past three years:—

     The increase in the number of out-door patients at the General Hospital
corresponds generally with the decrease at the neighbouring suburban institu-
tions—the Alipore and Sumbhoo Nath Pundit Dispensaries. It has recently
been brought to the Lieutenant-Governor's notice that a class of patients now
receives out-door medical attendance at the General Hospital which it was
never intended should be treated at that institution. This class was formerly
relieved at the two suburban dispensaries first mentioned. The extension of
the out-door department at the General Hospital, beyond what was originally
contemplated, has led to a great increase in the consumption of expensive
European medicines, and has attracted a number of patients from institutions
which are willing and able to provide for them. The question is still under
the consideration of Government. The fluctuations in the attendance at the
other institutions do not call for particular notice.