19

96. Construction and repair.—As noted in a previous
paragraph, no new construction could be undertaken, on the
contrary, owing to the damages caused by the earthquake to the
existing hospitals in North Bihar and certain areas of South
Bihar along the Ganges, the district boards concerned will be
required either to make substantial repair to, or reconstruct
most of the buildings damaged. At some places in North Bihar,
even the existing sites of the hospitals are likely to be condemned
which will necessitate putting up fresh buildings on new sites.
The furniture and equipment of many hospitals and dispensaries
was also damaged by the earthquake and is being replenished by
the local authorities.

97.  Number of patients treated.—The total number of in-
and out-patients treated in the 33 hospitals was 91,527 as
compared with 83,273 patients treated during 193:2-33. This
shows an increase of 8,254 patients over the previous year's work.
In addition, 17,335 castrations were also performed, and 12,774
oases though not brought to the hospital, were supplied with
medicines, against 16,558 and 14,648 respectively in the year
1932-33.

Out of the total number, 44,415 patients were treated in
14 hospitals of the North Bihar Range, 30,733 in 11 hospitals of
the Central and 16,379 in 8 hospitals of the Orissa Range.

                                      CHAPTER IV.

                                Breeding Operations.

98. Control of livestock improvement.—According to the
policy adopted by Government, the control of breeding opera-
tions at the Patna Cattle Breeding Farm is vested in the Civil
Veterinary Department. The department also supervised the
maintenance of the stud bulls at the veterinary hospitals.
Although good bulls for breeding purposes could be produced
at the Patna Farm and Government were pleased to fix Rs. 50
as the minimum price of a bull for persons within the province,
the demand from the public has so far been practically nil in spite
of advertisement. Even the district boards for whom these bulls
are available free of charge have been slow in their response, as
during the year under report, only 6 bulls (4 to Darbhanga
and 2 to Palamau) could be distributed to the boards against 8 of
the previous year. There is however some demand for bullocks
produced on the farm and in consequence, the bull calves for
which there is no sale, are being sold after castration.

The Madhubani municipality purchased 4 Tharparkar bulls
during the year at Rs. 50 each.