( 2 )
Dysentery and diarrhoea were conspicuous by their absence at Agra, but at
Benares the dysentery cases which fell from 41 in 1911 to 22 in 1912 rose to 39
in the year under report, which, with 12 remaining from the previous year, made
a total of 51 suffering from this cause. Of these 51 twelve died. It is proposed to
construct a new dysentery ward at this asylum. There was only one death at
Benares from round worms. The quarterly dosing of the whole of the inmates
with santonine, which commenced in September 1911, has diminished the sickness
from this cause to a large extent. The efficacy of the treatment is proved by
the fact that whereas 300 inmates were dosed in 1911 with the result that 482
mature round worms were collected, m December 1913 only 35 round worms
(passed by one individual) were collected from 298 patients dosed. Ankylostoma
was not detected.
6. The number of European and Eurasian lunatics in the asylums during
the year was Agra 53, Bareilly 8 and Benares 4 making a total of 05. Of these
9 were discharged 4 transferred and 4 died leaving 48 at the close of the year
(Agra 39, Bareilly 0, Benares 3).
The four deaths were at Agra one, a case of acute mania, took place nine
days after admission ; on© an advanced case of G. P. I died in a congestive seizure
28 days after admission ; another diorl in the third stage from asthemia, and
the fourth case (one of acute delirium) died from tubercle 14 days after admission.
The steadily increasing number of these patients calls urgently for an
extension and improvement of the present accommodation at Agra,.
7. The Benares asylum was inspected by me twice during the year and the
Barcilly and Agra institutions once. I found everything in good order and
the inmates appeared happy and contented as far as their misfortune admits
them to be so. I am very pleased with the progress which is being mado
in all the arrangements and work of the Agra asylum. They do great credit to
the continuous care which is being exorcised by Major Overbeck-Wright over
every detail, and the great scientific interest and zeal ho shows in this specialised
branch of medicine. During the year arrangements were attempted at Agra
whereby the better class of Indian pationts who can afford it could bo admitted
into the asylum paying Government charges and defraying all diet expenses and
in some cases, providing private attendants, punkhas, &c. These cases have had
their own special cooking arrangements and caste prejudices and customs could bo
fully complied with. The attempt has been fully justified by its results. Four
such patients were in the institution on the 1st January 1913, thirteen admitted
during the year and three transferred from the pauper class at tho wish of their
relatives. Of these five have been discharged cured, removed " improved " by
their relatives and 11 romain. All castes and classes seem to appreciate tho
benefits of this system judging from tho enquiries made, tho fresh cases received
and the donations voluntarily made by friends and relatives of tho patients for tho
still further improvement of the scheme.
Magistrates and courts exorcising jurisdiction in tho Provinco of Delhi have
boen authorised to send lunatics to tho Agra Asylum when there is no
accommodation for them in tho Lahore Asylum and on tho understanding that
beforo a lunatic is sent inquiry will bo made of tho Superintendent at Agra whether
thero is sufficient accommodation available, and that maintenance charges payable
under sections 26 and 88 of tho Act will bo credited to that asylum.
Draft rules under section 91 of tho Lunacy Act, IV of 1912, as well as tho
quostion of whether, or not, tho provisions of sections 5 to 11 of tho Act should bo
applied to this Province, aro at present under tho consideration of Government.
The improvement of tho prosont system of lighting at Agra is an urgent mattor.
An electric installation will not only solve this difficulty but make it possiblo to
provide fans in tho hot weather for a much larger percentage of European patients
than can safely bo provided with punkhas. Tho question of increasing the
clothing grant is also under consideration. An extra grant is much neoded as all
throe Superintendents find tho presont allotments inadequate for the demand.
LUCKNOW:
")
0. C. MANIFOLD, M.B., COL., I.M.S.,
27 M February 1914 .!
Inspector-General of Civil Hospitals, United Provinces,