( 8 )
reduction in the total mortality among the inmates during 1907 and 1908.
Very many sanitary, structural and other general improvements have been
effected at Patna and Berhampore during these years, all of which have con-
tributed to the satisfactory results that have ensued. There was absence of
serious epidemic disease, although the environments of some of the Asylums
were unhealthy. Not a single case of cholera occurred in the Patna Asylum
in 1908 although it was present in the neighbourhood and in the local Jail.
The lunatics were well clothed and given, under personal supervision of the
Asylum staff, varied, and in some cases special, diet to suit the cases of the
weakly, the convalescent and of those who lost weight. The latter were put
on the infirm gang in order to arrest disease in its early stage. Prophylactic
medicines were regularly issued to the inmates of all the Asylums during the
past three years. There was no death from fevers in 1908. At Berhampore
bloods were miscroscopically examined in 1908, malarial parasites being found
in 22 per cent of those examined. The stools of patients were also examined.
Suicidal patients were provided with distinctive clothing, and together with the
epileptics, placed under constant observation day and night. In all the
Asylums selected patients were allowed to take exercise outside these in-
stitutions under the charge of keepers. Various amusements and pet animals
were also provided in all the Asylums, Rs. 611-4-0 having been spent on this
account in 1906, Rs. 460-12-9 in 1907 and Rs. 527-10-0 in 1908. In short,
every effort was made to keep the lunatics cheerful, comfortable and healthy.
The revised scheme for the construction of a Central Lunatic Asylum for
natives at Ranchi which was submitted to the Local Government in 1907 has
been approved by the Government of India. Accordingly detailed plans are
now being prepared, most of which have already been approved by me. The
cost is estimated at Rs. 18,44,170. As regards the establishment of a Central
European Lunatic Asylum at Ranchi the Special Committee appointed by
Government submitted in 1908 a revised scheme, which is now under the con-
sideration of Government. As stated in last year's notes both these Asylums
have been planned on the Villa Colony System, and are a great advance on all
former Asylums in the East.
In January 1908 Government appointed a Committee of which the
Inspector-General of Civil Hospitals was the President, to examine and
suggest a revision of the existing law and procedure bearing on the manage-
ment of Lunatic Asylums. In doing this the Committee suggested several
modifications in the rules for the management of the Lunatic Asylums in
Bengal, which were called for owing to changes in Asylum administration
in this Province since the old rules were issued. The revised rules are at
present under the consideration of Government. Additional visitors have
been appointed for the Patna Asylum as from non-attendance on the part of
some visitors it was at times difficult to get a quorum.
27. The following officers held charge of the Lunatic Asylums during
1908 :—
Bhowanipur.—Captain J. C. H, Leicester, I.M.S., from 1st January to
22nd November 1908 and Captain J. G. P. Murray, I.M.S.,
from 23rd November to the close of the year.
Patna.—Major B. C. Oldham, I.M.S., all through the year.
Berhampore.— Major C. J. Robertson-Milne, I.M.S., from 1st January
to 30th March and Captain L. Cook, I.M.S., for the rest of
the year.
28. I inspected all the Asylums, more than once during each of the
three years under review and have much pleasure in bearing testimony to the
efficient manner in which these institutions are managed. As this will
probably be my last report on Lunatic Asylums I desire to offer my sincere
thanks to Major C. J. Robertson-Milne, I.M.S. Superintendent, Berhampore,
and the other officers who at different times acted in charge of the other
Asylums for their very zealous discharge of their duties and their loyal co-
operation in our endeavours to do the best for the afflicted patients under their
charge.
CULCUTTA :
The 8th March 1909.
R. MACRAE, M.B., COL., I.M.S.,
Inspcctor-General of Civil Hospitals, Bengal.