18
LUNATIC ASYLUMS IN BENGAL.
Fifteen female patients, in addition, were transferred from the Dullunda asylum in
September. These 55 female patients occupied the entire space available for females at
50 superficial feet per patient; 50 males were received by transfer from Dullunda in
September. In addition to these, 10 males and three females were received by direct
admission from the surrounding districts.
Deaths.
88. The deaths were numerous considering the small population and the short time.
Regarding them Dr. Shircore writes:—
" There were six deaths, all of which were caused by dysentery. The subjects were all either old or
worn out persons who had been inmates of other asylums for long periods, and who had arrived at this
asylum in bad health and poor condition, and some of them with the complaint of which they died. Of the
six deaths, one occurred 14 days after arrival at the asylum, one 15 days, one 16 days, one a month and
22 days, one two months and 14 days, and one four months and 27 days.
" Those who died were, respectively, aged 34, two were 43, 48, 53, and 70. Of the six, again, one had
been in an asylum above ten years, two above eight years, two above three years, and one under a year, and
that one was 70 years old."
Establishment.
89. The following establishment has been sanctioned for this asylum (Bengal Govern-
ment letter No. 93, dated 7th May 1875):—
1 Overseer
...
...
...
1 Native doctor
...
...
...
1 Clerk and accountant*
...
...
3 Jemadars
at Rs. 12 each ...
22 Male-keepers „ „ 5 „ ...
8 Methers
„ „ 5 „ ...
2 Barbers
„ „ 3 „ ...
1 Matron
„ „ 25 „ ...
Per mensem.
Rs.
100
30
30
36
110
40
6
25
8 Methranees at Rs. 5 each ...
4 Cooks
„ „ 5 „ ...
6 Bhistees
„ „ 5 „ ...
3 Dhobees
„ „ 5 „ ...
2 Gardeners
„ „ 5 „ ...
1 Harkara
„ „ 5 „ ...
Total ...
Per mensem.
Rs.
40
20
30
15
10
5
497
Dullunda
transfers.
90. Dr. Shircore points out that the great majority of the lunatics received from
Dullunda were " useless, troublesome, and mischievous," and assigns this as a reason for
the small outturn of remunerative work.
Improvement and
additions necessary.
91. He states that the asylum is far from complete, and that the following additions
and alterations are urgently necessary:—
A good verandah along the entire length of the male barracks on the south side.
The substitution of iron grated doors for the present panelled ones to the cells on the south.
The construction of two work-sheds for the males and one for the females, and a cook-
room for the females.
The construction of good day-privies and drains, and the opening of outlets from every
ward and cell to allow of their being thoroughly washed whenever necessary.
Three large skylights in the long hall or passage connecting the two ranges of cells for
the women.
These requirements have been included, it is believed, in the budget estimates of the
Public Works Department for the year 1875-76.
Subordinates.
92. The Superintendent reports favorably of the overseer and native doctor.
Inspection.
93. Dr. Francis inspected this asylum on the 1st of February 1875. He bears out
what the Superintendent writes regarding the improvements still requisite in order to render
this asylum complete, and characterises the lunatics received from Dullunda as " a very bad
lot" He hears testimony to the care and kindness manifested in the treatment of the lunatics.
BHOWANIPORE
ASYLUM.
94. Bhowanipore.—The following table indicates the number of lunatics treated in the
Bhowanipore asylum during the year, and their disposal :—
Statistics.
STATEMENT No. 19.
Remained on 1st January ... ... ... ...
Admitted ... ... ... ... ... ...
Re-admitted ... ... ... ... ...
Total treated ... ... ... ... ...
Discharged cured ... ... ... ...
Improved and transferred to friends ... ...
Despatched to Europe as ordinary invalids ... ...
Ditto
ditto
ditto insanes ... ...
Died
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
Remaining under treatment (Europeans) ... ...
Ditto
ditto
(East Indians)
...
...
CIVIL.
Males.
13
18
2
33
2
6
......
10 2
4
9
Females.
10
10
1
21
1
7
......
......
1
2
8
Total.
23
28
3
64
3
13
......
10
3
6
17
MILITARY.
Males.
1
5
......
6
......
......
4
2
......
......
......
Females.
......
......
......
......
......
......
......
......
......
......
......
Total.
1
5
......
6
......
......
4
2
......
......
......
TOTAL.
Males.
14
23
2
39
2
6
4
12
2
4
9
Females.
10
10
1
21
1
7
......
2
1
2
8
Total.
24
33
3
60
3
13
4
14
3
6
17
* Rising to Rs. 40 per mensem by an annual increment of Rs. 2.