2
the scheme for a Central Asylum at Ranchi to accommodate 1,500 patients
in which three-fourths of the accommodation will be at the disposal of this
Government. But financial considerations are likely to defer the construction
of the building, and in the meantime the Government of Bengal are prepared
to take up the additions to the Berhampore Asylum.
4. The total average annual cost of the asylums has again risen, being
Rs. 1,94,527 against Rs. 1,67,512 in the previous period. After the Public Works
Department charges have been deducted, the average cost per head per annum
works out at Rs. 164-14-6 against Rs. 158-0 7 in 1909-11, and the cost has risen
from Rs. 161-14-3 in 1913 to Rs. 174-15-3 in 1914. This is mainly due to
increase in the cost of diet. Certain revisions in the establishment have been
made, and it is satisfactory to note that the increase in } ay of the keepers at
Berhampore and the abolition of the security hitherto demanded from them
has resulted in the right class of persons being attracted to these posts and
remaining in them. The extraneous receipts of the asylums are derived
from manufactures and from the fees of paying patients. There was a falling
off in both cases in the year 1914 when the daily average strength of paying
lunatics fell to only 28.99 and unfavourable climatic conditions reduced the
receipts of the vegetable garden of the Berhampore Asylum.
5. The average number of European lunatics treated rose from 58 in
1909-11 to 60 in 1912-14, and the average daily strength from 41.75 to 46.24.
The need for increased and better accommodation for Europeans, and in
particular the provision of a place of observation, are keenly felt.
The
question is connected with the proposed asylum for Europeans at Ranchi, and
until this has been completed the Bhowanipur Asylum must continue to be
the asylum for European and Eurasian lunatics from Bengal. Certain
alterations and improvements have been made to ameliorate the lot of these
lunatics, but conditions will not bo entirely satisfactory until the new asylum
has been built.
6. His Excellency in Council has noted with satisfaction that the health
of the lunatics during the triennium under report shows a marked improve-
ment on the previous period. It was particularly good in 1914 when only
355 lunatics were admitted to hospital as against 830, 487 and 514 in 1911,
1912 and 1913, respectively. The use of quinine as a prophylactic was
responsible for reducing fever cases to an exceptionally low figure. Cases of
bowel complaints were also comparatively few as a result of the precautionary
measures adopted. But tubercular phthisis was again conspicuous and
accounted for a very considerable proportion of the deaths. This disease has
received great attention from the officers of the asylums, but despite
measures of segregation, open air treatment and careful diet, it is difficult to
overcome the unfortunate habits of the insane and to ensure such sanitation
and cleanliness as are necessary to eradicate the disease.
7. The Governor in Council has read with much interest and pleasure
the account given by the Surgeon-General of the general measures taken for
the welfare of these afflicted persons, not only in securing their physical
comfort, but also in providing them with suitable employment and amuse-
ment, and his thanks are due to all the officers who have held charge of the
asylums for the great attention they have paid to the health of the inmates
and the steps they have taken to brighten their lives. The Governor in
Council agrees with the Surgeon-General in his appreciation of the work of
Captain Peebles, who has held charge of the asylum at Berhampore. His
thanks are also due to Surgeon-General Harris for his report and for his
careful administration during the triennium.
By order of the Governor in Council,
J. DONALD,
Offg. Secretary to the Govt, of Bengal.