12
LUNATIC ASYLUMS IN BENGAL.
are the most potent factors in the production of insanity among the class
of patients confined in this asylum.
38. Expenditure—is given in the following table and contrasted with
that of the previous year:—
1. Average daily number of inmates throughout
the year ... ... ...
2. Total expenditure for the year ... ...
3. Average yearly cost of each lunatic as per column 2
4. Average yearly cost of each lunatic after deduct-
ing payments by friends of lunatics ...
1886.
31
Rs.
20,271
654
437
1887.
29
Rs.
20,709
714
434
Average yearly expenditure of each patient in relation to—
5. Establishment ... ... ...
6.
Diet
...
...
...
...
7. Contingencies ... ... ...
8. Bazar medicines
...
...
...
9. Clothing ... ... ...
403
131
81
......
39
451
145
85
......
33
It will be noticed that the gross expenditure exceeds that of 1886 by
Rs. 438, which is accounted for by the pay of a matron, entertained to act
during the absence on privilege leave of the permanent incumbent, and to the
larger number of servants employed in attending the paying patients.
39. The daily average cost per head of diet, stimulants, and extras of all
kinds for the year was six annas three pies against five annas ten pies in 1886.
40. The total average cost to Government of each patient was Rs. 434
against Rs. 437 in the previous year—
41. Income—
From Government
... ...
Paying patients ... ...
Profits from labour of patients ...
1886.
Rs.
13,549
6,722
Nil.
1887.
Rs.
12,594
8,115
Nil.
It will thus be seen that there has been a very satisfactory addition to the
amount derived from paying patients who are nearly as numerous as those
whose friends contribute nothing towards their maintenance. The sum
outstanding at the close of the year as payable by patients was Rs. 362-12-11,
of which the Superintendent expected to receive Rs. 104-13-10, but there being
no prospect of recovering the balance, he proposes to write it off.
42. General Remarks.—The sanitary condition of the asylum has been much
improved during the year by filling in an offensive drain on the western side of
the premises, and substituting a shallow saucer drain of pucca masonry at a cost
of Rs. 1,228. This drain is provided with a sluice-gate, which gives free egress
to the surface water, and prevents any ingress of the tide from Tolley's Nullah.
43. Surgeon Clark had charge of the asylum till the 19th May, and Sur-
geon-Major Murray for the remainder of the year. The latter, who has written
the annual report, speaks favourably of the conduct of the higher members of the
establishment, and more particularly of Mrs. DeVere, who continues to discharge
her arduous duties with much success. At the beginning of the year, the asylum
sustained a great loss by the death of the Deputy Superintendent, Mr. A. DeVere,
whose connection with the institution, extending over the long period
of 25 years, was characterised by invariable kindness and attention to the
helpless insanes under his charge, and whose exertions, in the cause of economy
and careful management, were instrumental in effecting a very large reduction
in the annual expenditure.
I have the honour to be,
SIR,
Your most obedient servant,
A. HILSON, M.D.,
Offg. Inspector- General of Civil Hospitals, Bengal.