DACCA LUNATIC ASYLUM.
43
The average monthly cost of each man last year in the asylum was Rs. 7-10 per
mensem. The saving effected by this system is therefore considerable.
The chief obstacle to the success of the scheme is the dread that native gentlemen
entertain of being held responsible for the escape or illness of any boarder. When the
object of Government is properly understood, this apprehension will doubtless disappear.
For many obvious reasons the boarding out of lunatics in the midst of a populous and very
immoral city is objectionable; but there is no other course to adopt, unless the residents
of the suburbs can be got to interest themselves in the experiment. The difficulty of periodi-
cally visiting lunatics boarded out in villages is a serious one; but as the system spreads,
it may be also possible to overcome this obstacle.
Overseer.
The overseer, Mr. Camilliri, continues to give satisfaction. He takes much genuine
interest in the welfare of the lunatics, and in promoting the various industrial works in the
asylum. His influence over the inmates is considerable, and they appreciate his kindness
and thoughtfulness.
Native doctor.
Attendants.
I have nothing to add to my former reports regarding native doctor Prosono Coomar
Sein, but that he has continued to show unusual intelligence and attention in the discharge
of his duties. It is a matter for regret that Government has not as yet seen fit to reward
him according to his deserts. I still hope that Government will reconsider its opinion and
sanction a salary equal to what he would certainly obtain by resigning his post in the
asylum. It cannot be considered just that a native doctor of the same rank and standing
should draw Rs. 40 a month at a small branch dispensary, while the native doctor of the
asylum, with a daily average of 24 sick, and with duties that require his attendance at all
hours of the day and night, should draw only two thirds of the amount.
The increase in the pay of the keepers has not effected any change in the standard of
the men who serve as keepers. A few steady and intelligent men are borne on the rolls of
the establishment, but the majority are stupid and very lazy.
Visitors.
The asylum was visited on the 22nd September by Mr. Heeley, the Inspector-General
of Jails.
The visitors also made regular monthly inspections of the asylum and of its inmates.
No. 1861, dated Shillong, the 11th March 1874.
From—D. MACDONALD, ESQ., M.D., Deputy Surgeon-General, Dacca Circle, Shillong,
To—The Secretary to Surgeon-General, Indian Medical Department.
IN forwarding the annual report and returns of the Dacca lunatic asylum for the
year 1873, I feel myself called upon to invite attention to the forcible remarks of the
superintendent as regards want of space.
Increased accommodation is urgently required; for it must be admitted that the amount
of superficial space falls far short of what is considered necessary for the preservation of
health.
It will be seen from the returns that the death-rate has been high. In all 47 died
during 1873. Cholera carried off 11; there were 18 admissions from this disease.
It will be observed that the admissions and deaths from pneumonia were very high.
During the year there were 35 treated for this disease, and the deaths amounted to eight.
The superintendent remarks that the frequency of this disease in the Dacca lunatic asylum is
to be attributed to the vitiated air developed in the overcrowed cells. I hold this opinion also.
The remarks of the superintendent as to the merits of the overseer and the native doctor are,
from personal knowledge, fully endorsed.