LUNATIC ASYLUMS OF BENGAL.
13
The following shows the average yearly cost of each lunatic in relation to—
Establishment
...
...
Diet
...
...
...
...
Contingencies
...
...
...
Bazar medicines ... ... ...
Clothing ... ... ...
1889.
Rs.
380
132
75
...
26
1890.
Rs.
347
129
65
...
27
The total expenditure was greater by Rs. 459 in 1890 as compared with that
of the previous year, the increase being caused mainly by the larger number of
patients who had to be fed in the year under report. The cost of superintendence
was Rs. 5,462, against Rs. 5,413 in 1889, the difference being accounted for by
the increase in the pay of the matron in 1890. Under the head of establishment
proper there was a saving of Rs. 28 in 1890, the figures being Rs. 6,330, against
Rs. 6,358 in 1889. The diminution was the result of the non-employment of
several members of the establishment for a few days at a time. The amount
expended on diet rose from Rs. 4,098 in 1889 to Rs. 4,391 in 1890; the
increase of Rs. 293 is attributable to the larger number of patients treated.
The cost of clothing and bedding was Rs. 918, against Rs. 805 in 1889, the
increase having been caused by the replacement of the worn-out warm
clothing of male patients. There was a saving of Rs. 103 in 1890 under the
head of contingencies, the figures being Rs. 2,207, against Rs. 2,310 in 1889.
The reduction was due to less expenditure on lighting, to fewer copper stool pans
having been purchased, and to the circumstance that no cane chairs or buckets
were obtained in that year. The expenditure on account of works done by the
Public Works Department was Rs. 1,275, against Rs. 1,140 in 1889, showing
an increase of Rs. 135, which was caused by more expensive repairs to the
female ward. The total average cost to Government of each lunatic was
Rs. 336, against Rs. 347 in 1889. Deducting the Public Works charges, the
average cost stands at Rs. 298, against Rs. 310 in 1889.
45. The daily average cost of each lunatic was 5 annas 7 pie, against
5 annas 8 pie in the previous year. The daily average cost of the different
classes was as follows:—
First class ...
...
Second „
...
...
Third
„ ... ...
Fourth „ ... ...
46.
Income—
From Government ... ...
Paying patients ... ...
Profits from labour of patients ...
1889.
Rs.
0
0
0
0
A.
12
8
5
5
P
6
0
10
1
1889.
Rs.
10,758
9,366
...
1890.
Rs
0
0
0
0
A.
14
7
5
5
P.
7
0
7
0
1890.
Rs.
11,424
9,159
...
It will be observed that a larger amount was contributed in 1890 by
Government towards the expenses of this asylum, which was caused in a great
measure by pauper lunatics occupying quarters which might be made available
for paying patients. I believe it was never intended originally that paupers
should be admitted into this asylum, and it would be worth while considering
whether accommodation for this class could not be provided in the native
asylums of the province. The amount contributed by paying patients during
1890 fell off by Rs. 207, which was caused by Government having ordered
a refund of Rs. 263 to one of the patients.
47. The total average expenditure per lunatic is high, but this is accounted
for to some extent by the small number in confinement, which makes the
incidence of cost per head for supervision greater than it would otherwise be.
The question of the reduction of expenditure is at present under consideration,
and I have little doubt that some reduction may be found possible.
48. General Remarks.—I have much pleasure in reporting that this asylum
was well managed during the year. The patients at my frequent visits always