REPORT ON THE LUNATIC ASYLUMS IN BURMA FOR THE TRIENNIUM 1912-14.
3
average population of 102.21, while in 1914 the number of deaths was only 5 with
an average population of 107.45 thus giving 4.65, a very low percentage of morta-
lity. On the male side one large ward of 30 beds is brought under this nursing
scheme and in this are collected acute cases. This ward is reported to be the
quietest and cleanest place in the asylum. This arrangement will be gradually
extended to other wards. A distinct advance has thus been made in the direction
of nursing patients and the results will be watched with great interest.
8. Diet. — During the triennium under review changes were made in the dietary
of the Rangoon Asylum. Pegya, which had been stopped in August 1912 for its
supposed ill-effects on the health of the inmates, was subsequently found to be
productive of quite good results when given to the healthier inmates of the asylum,
and wheat flour has been used as a supplementary article of diet. A revised scale
of diet has been in use since the beginning of 1914 and it is reported to be a
considerable improvement on the old scales, but final adoption will be made only
after some further trial.
9. Amusements and recreation.—These were numerous and varied. In-door
games and out-door sports have been regularly played by those inmates who were
capable of participating in them. Pwès (Burmese theatrical performances) were
given and athletic sports held. During the rains many patients play football.
Cards and other in-door games are provided. Everything has been done to make
existence in the asylum as easy as possible to the inmates, and their surroundings
pleasant.
10. Injuries and escapes.—During the first two years of the triennium under
review 4 insanes escaped, 3 received injuries, and 2 committed suicide.
It is satisfactory to note that during the year 1914 no such incidents have been
reported.
Statement
VIII.
11. Finance.— The total amount spent for the upkeep of the Rangoon Asylum
in 1914 was Rs. 1,43,627-2-0 against Rs. 1,32,750-1-11 in 1913 and Rs.
1,27,666-10-3 in 1912. The total cost under " Establishment" has steadily
increased from Rs. 36,045-10-6 in 1912 to Rs. 38,699-10-1 in 1913 and
Rs. 44,128-1-3 in 1914, the increase being attributable to the grant of house
allowances to some of the asylum staff and to the revision of the nursing establish-
ment. The expenditure under "Bedding and Clothing " has also shown a large
increase from Rs. 573-4-7 in 1912 to Rs. 1,221-15-6 in 1913 and again to
Rs. 4,416-4-4 in 1914. Owing to the outbreak of war, the Supply and Transport
Department was unable to supply blankets though indent was sent in April 1914.
Blankets had consequently to be purchased locally and the expenditure under
this head alone came to Rs. 2,300. Much attention was also paid to the adequate
provision of " Bedding and Clothing" to the asylum inmates during the triennium
under review. Owing to the unsatisfactory state of health of the inmates, the
weaving sheds had to be closed for about a year and this also contributed to the
increase in the expenditure under this head. Excluding book charges and the
pay of the Superintendent, the average cost per head of average strength and the
cost per head under ' Diet ' during the last five years are tabulated below :—
—
Average cost per head ...
Average cost of diet per head
1910.
Rs.
157
63
A.
6
4
P.
6
10
1911.
Rs.
170
75
A.
14
14
P.
6
1
1912.
Rs.
190
77
A.
9
II
P.
2
4
1913.
Rs.
215
87
A.
14
12
P.
0
0
1914.
Rs.
213
80
A.
10
15
P.
4
7
As pointed out in my last year's Note on the Lunatic Asylum the steady
tendency to increase has been closely watched with the result that during 1914
there has been an improvement under cost per head in both cases. Contingent
expenditure which increased from Rs. 16,921-2-10 in 1912 to Rs. 17,050-15-8 in
1913, has, however, decreased to Rs. 13,924-5-7 in 1914. The decrease in 1914
is chiefly due to the closing of the loomsheds. Owing to the additions to the
asylum buildings referred to in paragraph 1 supra, Public Works Department charges