4
but later showing symptoms of insanity, 2 (Grievous hurt) suffer from
Dementia Præcox, 1 (murder) suffers from Epilepsy and 1 (murder) suffers-
from Dementia Paranoides. Now all will agree that the diseases men-
tioned above are of very very long-standing in nature starting possibly from
childhood. It becomes then a pertinent question to ask as to whether or not
these crimes were the direct result of their diseases, and if so they should not
have been convicted at all. Then again the question of ' malingering ' mostly
among the convicts is a problem to be always kept in mind, the detection of
which requires special observation and knowledge of mental disorders on the
part of the prison authorities. It is not infrequently that cases of malingering
have been mistaken for true insanity due to either want of special knowledge
or intelligent observation or collusion of the convicts with the warders staff.
To obviate the above-mentioned defects I would suggest that all prison
doctors should undergo a thorough post-graduate training in a mental hospital,
and that they should examine and record the mental condition of all prisoners,
specially the under-trial prisoners, no matter whether a plea of insanity is
taken or not. And in case of the latter, if they have reason to suspect any
unsoundness of mind, they should voluntarily inform the trying courts their
finding and opinion.
Form of Insanity.—The principal types of insanity among the patients
admitted during the year 1924 were Imbecility, Dementia Præcox, Manic
Depressive, Confusional Insanity, Epilepsy Paranoia and Dementia
Paranoides.
Aetiological Factors.— One case was admitted who developed insanity
shortly after an acute attack of malaria, and whose blood examination at the
time of admission showed the presence of numerous Malignant Tertian
parasites. His father was of a neurotic temperament, as was subsequently
admitted by the patient, but in my opinion malarial toxin was the exciting
cause. The other common causes were puberty and adolescence, climacteric,
senility, child-bearing, mental stress and strain, malnutrition and starva-
tion.
Race.—Fifty Hindus, 12 Muhammadans, 3 Indian Christians and 5 of
other castes were admitted during the year.
Clothing and bedding.—An attempt has been made to issue dhoties, shirts
and coats to all patients instead of the regulation prison garb formerly in use,..
viz, janghias and kurtas, Flannels and tweeds of various shades were
purchased and warm coats were prepared locally introducing greater variety
of pattern and individually in fitting.
Sufficient number of blankets were issued, but no bedding could be
provided owing to stringency of funds.
Diet.—An improved scale of diet was introduced and the total amount as
well as the amount of staple articles of diet were sufficient. Milk was given to
the vegetarians in place of fish or mutton. But I regret to say that the
diet generally suffered from a depressing monotony owing to the lack of
a properly equipped kitchen and insufficiency in number of trained kitchen
workers. Much cannot be expected from one cook getting a pay of Rs. 12
who has to cook for more than 300 patients daily.
Amusements.—Due to the want of a Recreation Hall and available space
for out-door games " Amusements " could not be properly developed. Patients
were taken in batches to a theaterical performance which they enjoyed im-
mensely. Musical instruments, Gramophone records and playing cards were
issued to them. The therapeutic effect of properly conducted amusements and
of in-door and cut-door games cannot be overstated and it is hoped that in
the new hospital at Kanke this department will be properly developed.
Finance.—The total expenditure exclusive of the amount received from
the paying patients and miscellaneous receipts was Rs. 77,5563-1-8 against
Rs. 58,887-2-11 in 1923. The increase is mainly due to increased expenditure