(RESOLUTION.)
MEDICAL.
Fort William, the 6th July 1869.
READ a letter, No. 247, dated 23rd ultimo, from the Inspector-General of
Hospitals, Bengal Medical Department, submitting the Annual Reports and
Returns of the several Lunatic Asylums in the Lower Provinces for the year
1868.
1. The total number of insanes admitted and re-admitted into the various
Asylums shews a considerable increase over the figures for last year (429 as
against 372), but there is also a corresponding increase in the number cured
and transferred to friends (from 177 to 278). The percentage of cured and
transferred to friends to total treated stands at 25.71 as against 18.71 in 1867.
The percentage of mortality to total treated has improved from 11.31 last year
to 9.52, a lower figure than that obtained in any year since 1863. The percent-
age of mortality to daily average strength stands at 15.25 as against 17.74 in
1867. These results are decidedly favorable. The separate Returns of each
Asylum will be examined below; but it may here be noted that Patna exhibits
the most satisfactory results, the ratio of mortality to daily average strength
having been there 3.70 as against 11.11 in Cuttack, 17.91 in Dullunda, and
22.50 in Dacca. The decrease in the general percentage of mortality would
have been more marked but for the outbreak of cholera at Dacca, to which
15 out of 103 deaths were owing
2. The extraordinary influence of intoxicating drugs in producing various
forms of insanity in India is seen from the fact that 1 out of every 2.67 cases
treated was attributable to this cause. Out of 1,079 cases the causes of insa-
nity were unknown in 522.
3. The average yearly cost of maintenance has risen from Rupees 93-3-3
to Rupees 95-0-2, and that in spite of a considerable reduction of cost at
Patna (from Rupees 89-9-1 to Rupees 63-11-4), and slight reductions at
Dullunda and Cuttack. The increase at Moydapore, from Rupees 55-4-0 to
Rupees 88-4-1, is due to a diminution in the number
of patients. Same explanation should be given of the
differences in the cost of diet in the different Asylums as
shown on the margin.
Dacca ...
Dullunda ...
Cuttack ...
Patna ...
Moydapore ...
Rs.
48
42
35
26
21
As.
3
2
12
12
1
P.
0
0
0
0
0
4. Dullunda.—There is a marked improvement in the rate of mortality
in this Asylum, the percentage on daily average strength having fallen from
23.18 to 17.91. The detailed Return of fatal cases shews that in by far the
greater number of these the patient entered the Asylum in a diseased or hope-
less state. All that care and treatment and improved accommodation can
do in such cases is being tried, and the general result is, on the whole,
satisfactory. The cost of establishment has risen from Rupees 6,665 to
Rupees 8,364, mainly owing to the substitution of a fixed for a fluctuating
establishment. This measure, while tending to efficiency, is also, as shown
by Dr. Payne, one of real economy. The out-turn from manufactures has
risen from Rupees 3,444 to Rupees 6,541. This is most creditable to the
Overseer, Mr. Bancroft. Steps should be taken to remove the Native Doctor,
who is said to be inefficient.
5. Moydapore.—No remarks are called for in regard to this Institution.
6. Dacca.—The mortality at Dacca has risen from 16.6 to 22.50 owing
to an outbreak of cholera, which the crowded state of the Asylum rendered
particularly fatal. The Lieutenant-Governor quite agrees with the Inspector-
General of Hospitals that in future outbreaks the patients should be
removed to tents or huts, and trusts that orders to that effect will be given.
The Public Works Department will be urged to press forward the completion
of the new buildings. At this Asylum also the Native Doctor is reported
to be inefficient and should be removed. Any proposition for raising the pay
of the keepers should be submitted separately. The out-turn from manufac-
tures at this Asylum is not so good as it ought to be. The Superintendent