LUNATIC ASYLUMS IN BENGAL.
17
Admissions.
71. The admissions were actually above, but relatively to population about the average
of past years. Seven of them were pilgrims from other provinces, and three criminal lunatics.
The recoveries were about the average; the transfers to the care of friends above it. The
deaths were few, and the rate about half the average.
Criminal lunatics.
72. Dr. Stewart alludes to the difficulty of managing criminal lunatics who have become
sane in the same institution and on the same principles as really insane persons.
Previous history
of lunatics.
73. The difficulty of ascertaining the previous history of lunatics is also alluded to.
Of 29 admissions, information could only be ascertained regarding 15; 14 of these were
addicted to ganjah, and one to opium. Seven of these fourteen cases were discharged
cured during the year.
Sickness.
74. There was no excessive sickness during the year. A case of suicidal hanging occurred.
Employments.
75. The employments which the lunatics are engaged in are gardening, spinning, rope-
making, weaving, and wheat grinding. Of an average of 57.84, 41.89 worked daily.
Establishment.
76. Some slight additions to the establishment were sanctioned in consequence of the
increase of the numbers of residents. The darogah, Shaikh Emamooddeen, is favorably
reported upon.
Inspection.
77. Deputy Surgeon-General C. R. Francis reports, as the result of inspection, that
this asylum is in excellent order, and the inmates quiet, industrious, and well looked after.
MOYDAPORE
ASYLUM.
78. Moydapore.—This asylum has been under the charge of Surgeon-Major
S. M. Shircore throughout the year.
Superintendence.
Reason for
retaining it.
STATEMENT No. 18.
YEAR.
1889
...
...
...
1870
...
...
...
1871
...
...
...
1872
...
...
...
1873 ...
...
...
Average ... ... ...
1874
...
...
...
Daily average
strength.
13
21
26
44
59.9
32.8
75.11
Admitted.
14
107.7
19
90.5
19
73.1
43
97.7
41
68.4
27.2
87.5
32
42.6
DISCHARGED.
Cured.
2
15.3
7
33.3
9
34.6
11
25
18
30.1
9.4
27.7
14
18.6
Improved.
......
2
9.5
......
4
9.1
8
13.4
2.8
6.4
4
5.3
Otherwise.
1
7.6
1
4.8
......
......
1
1.6
.6
2.8
2
2.7
Deaths.
1
7.6
7
33.3
......
3
6.8
4
6.7
3
10.9
5
6.6
Total discharges
and deaths.
4
30.5
17
80.9
9
34.6
18
40.9
31
51.7
15.8
47.7
25
33.2
NOTE.—The smaller figures are percentages of mean strength.
Population.
Recoveries.
Paucity of transfers
explained.
79. It was intended, on the opening of the Berhampore asylum, to close this institution,
the building being old and in bad
repair and the surroundings insa-
lubrious. In consideration, how-
ever, of the crowded state of the
asylums, it was decided by Go-
vernment that the Moydapore
asylum should be retained for
the present.
80. The number of patients
under confinement was consider-
ably larger than in previous years,
and the admissions more numer-
ous, although the admission of
females was stopped in Septem-
ber and of males in October;
patients being sent to the
Berhampore asylum instead.
One patient, an inveterate ganjah-
smoker, was re-admitted. The
recoveries were below the average;
and only four patients were trans-
ferred to the care of their friends. This small number was due, Dr. Shircore states, to the
practice of making demands on the friends of patients, when they apply for their charge,
for the cost of their maintenance in the asylum. Of the two discharged otherwise, one was an
escape, and the other a female lunatic who was sent for trial after recovery.
Mortality.
81. The mortality of this asylum has always been moderate: 11.5 is the rate for 1864—73.
Five persons died in 1874, giving a rate of only 6.6. Of these five, four were admitted in
bad health; and of these four, one died twenty days after admission, one three months and
five days after, one five months and seven days, and one ten months and five days.
Sickness.
82. The sickness of the year was moderate. Fever and bowel complaints were the
prevailing diseases. A patient was admitted with small-pox, but, owing to the precautions
adopted by the superintendent, the disease did not spread.
Dieting.
83. The cost of diet was considerably higher than usual owing to the scarcity; but the
net cost per patient was not excessive, owing to the charge for establishment being spread
over a larger number.
Employments.
84. 56.75 of the average strength of 75.11 were employed during the year. In addi-
tion to remunerative occupations, patients are employed usefully to themselves and the
institution about the asylum in a number of ways which do not show a money return.
Subordinates.
85. The superintendent writes approvingly of the conduct of the native doctor
and jemadar.
Inspection.
86. Deputy Surgeon-General C. R. Francis inspected the asylum on the 2nd of
February. He found it in good order, but the building is greatly in need of repair. He
testifies to Dr. Shircore's judicious and humane management.
BERHAMPORE
ASYLUM.
Date of opening.
87. Berhampore.—This asylum, which is an adaptation of the conjee-house and the
rear block of disused barracks, was completed and opened for the reception of patients during
the year. Twenty female insanes were received by transfer from the Dullunda asylum on
the 2nd, and 20 females from the Patna asylum on the 3rd of August.
e