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CHAPTER XIV, 
It is well known that hookworm infection and hookworm disease exist to 
a considerable degree over large parts of India, and the serious effects of 
this parasite on the physical health and efficiency of the worker are equally 
well known. In a few centres attempts have been made to carry out 
periodical mass treatment of the workers, but little has been done te 
prevent re-infection by providing sanitary conveniences of acceptable 
types. Most of our medical witnesses and some employers have assured 
us that the Indian worker can be persuaded to use latrines if these are 
kept in a decently sanitary condition, and our own observations confirm 
this verdict. An incident brought to our notice in Howrah illustrates this 
point. The septic-tank latrines provided in the mill bustees are used 
to such an extent by outsiders living in the vicinity that it is found neces- 
sary to close them periodically in order that they may not be put out of 
action by over-use. It was not surprising that the workers refused to 
use the filthy accommodation often placed at their disposal. This 
is a matter which can be corrected without great expenditure, judg- 
ing from the success obtained in several areas. Local bodies and muni- 
cipal councils are responsible for the provision of latrines in the housing 
areas under their supervision. More vigorous action on their part, 
with the co-operation of employers, would meet with a response from the 
workers and would result in their attaining a higher standard of health 
and a correspondingly greater efficiency. 
Malaria. 
The toll of life exacted in India every year by epidemic diseases 
is still very high, and of them all malaria is perhaps the most devastating. 
In paragraphs 411 and 412 of the Report of the Royal Commission on 
Agriculture will be found statements and recommendations with which 
we agree whole-heartedly. In municipal aress like Bombay the control 
of malaria is no new problem, nor in many cases is it difficult of solution ; 
but we have found that only too often action on health matters ends with 
the holding of an investigation and the writing of a report, little effort 
being made subsequently to carry out even the simplest of its recommenda- 
tions. We are in agreement with Major Covell, who made a special 
investigation in Bombay in 1929, that * it is only through concerted action 
on the part of the people themselves, with the guidance and assistance of 
the State as far as its limited resources in men and money may allow, that 
a substantial measure of success in controlling malaria can be achieved ”. 
During our tours we could not fail to be impressed with the tremendous 
importance of malaria in connection with the health of the industrial 
worker, and in our opinion it would pay both Government and employers to 
initiate a much more active policy of prevention than has hitherto been 
undertaken. Every provincial health department should include a 
malariologist on its headquarter staff, who would not only advise 
municipal councils and employers on malarial problems, but would train 
medical officers and others in the principles of anti-malarial work. Effec- 
tive reduction of the incidence of malaria can be secured by such methods, 
especially if they are combined with the extended cultivation of cin- 
chona. as recommended bv the Agricultural Commission