( 2 )
amalgamation with the Central Asylum at Berhampore. At Bhawanipur the
figures indicate no overcrowding, but the available accommodation is quite
insufficient to meet the demands made on it, as many lunatics were refused
admission. The new wards for females have lately been made over by the
Public Works Department for occupation. The question of further enlarging
the asylum is being considered.
Statement II.
7. Criminal lunatics.—There were 108 admissions in 1900, 122 in 1901,
and 122 in 1902, an average of 117 against 94 in
the last triennium. The number readmitted was
20 in 1900, 13 in 1901, and 17 in 1902. Discharges were more numerous in
1902 than in the previous year, 80 against 63, and deaths numbered 46 in
1900, 27 in 1901, and 51 in 1902. The mortality will be treated later on
in the proper place in this report. The daily average strength rose from
491.14 in 1990 to 517.48 in 1901 and 542.59 in 1902, an average of 517.07
against 484.77 in the last triennium. In spite of the greater number dis-
charged and heavy mortality in 1902, there was a large increase in the daily
average strength. Very few lunatics were discharged under the rules regard-
ing the disposal of recovered criminal lunatics, viz., 13 in 1900, 8 in 1901,
and 11 in 1902.
Statement III.
8. No remarks.
Statement IV.
9. It will be seen that the educated class is
largely represented in the admissions during 1902.
Statement V.
10. No remarks.
Statement VI.
11. Mania acccounted for the largest number of admissions in each of the
past three years, viz., 167 in 1900, 164 in 1901 and
183 in 1902, or 66.8, 65.86, and 65.82 per cent.,
respectively. These cases are also more amenable to treatment, there having
been as many as 90 recoveries from this type of insanity alone out of a total of
114 cured in 1902. Cases of dementia seldom recover. Of the 146 cases in
1902 only one was cured. There was only one case of general paralysis of
the insane in 1901 (Dullunda) and 1 in 1902 (Dacca), a rare type in India.
Statement VII.
12. Physical causes were responsible for most of the admissions to the
asylums, viz. 25.6 per cent. in 1900, 36.95 in 1901,
and 32.37 in 1902. Moral causes accounted for 9.6
per cent. of the cases in 1900, 12.45 in 1901, and 14.03 in 1902, while the
causes were not known in 64.8, 50.60, and 53.60 per cent., respectively. Abuse
of ganja was alleged to be the cause of insanity in 23 cases in 1900, 47 in
1901, and 53 in 1902. As regards the 53 cases in 1902, the cause was accepted
as reliable, after careful enquiries by the Superintendents. In one instance
at Cuttack, the Superintendent states that there was a history of hereditary
insanity. Eight cases were attributed to alcohol, two to bhang, and one to
opium smoking in 1902. There was some improvement in 1902 in the pre-
paration of medical history sheets, but in many cases the information supplied
was still incomplete and insufficient. It is understood that special instructions
are being issued by Government on the subject, which will it is hoped ensure
correct preparation of these documents in future.
13. Sickness and mortality—The following table shows the total number
treated and the results for the last three years:—
Remained in hospital on 1st January ...
Admitted during the year
...
Total ...
Discharged
...
... ...
Died
...
...
....
Remaining
...
... ....
Total ...
Percentage of admission to average strength
Average daily sick ... ...
Percentage of constantly sick to average strength
Ditto
of deaths to average strength
1900.
102
968
1,070
884
99
87
1,070
103.32
79.84
8.52
10.67(a)
1901.
87
576
663
634
58
71
663
58.39
77.15
7.82
6.18(b)
1902.
71
604
675
513
96
66
675
58.83
65.66
6.39
9.35
(a) This is inclusive of one death outside the hospital.
(b) Inclusive of three deaths outside the hospital.