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But the people looked upon the serum with suspicion and raised a hue and cry against inoculation, condemning it as a slow but sure poison. The followers of Prince Aga Khan, a majority of whom lived in the worst affected parts of the town, were also equally opposed to the treatment of doctors.
Prince Aga Khan realised the need for allaying public suspicion and came forward to set a bold example by trying the serum on his own person and ordering his followers to do the same. He also called a meeting of his followers and explained to them the benefits of inoculation. He got himself inoculated several times.
This example had the desired effect of removing suspicion from the public mind. There was a great rush now for the treatment. To meet the requirements of this rush, Prince Aga Khan lent his bungalow free to Dr. Haffkine for his laboratory." (Malick; 46)