22
LUNATIC ASYLUMS IN BENGAL.
Establishment.
50. The establishment of this asylum was placed on a more efficient footing during
the year by increasing the number of attendants.
Management.
51. The superintendent continues to devote his best attention to the institution, and
reports favorably of his subordinates. I entirely agree with him in what he writes regarding
increasing the native doctor's salary.
PATNA ASYLUM
Superintendent.
52. Patna.—The asylum was throughout the year under the superintendence of
Surgeon-Major B. Simpson,
M.D., whose report, with the
appended tables, gives a
clear account of the events
of the year.
53. The population of
this asylum is rapidly in-
creasing, and the superin-
tendent makes a very strong
case for increased accommo-
dation. The admissions were
unprecedentedly numerous.
The recoveries and dis-
charges were absolutely
above the average, but in
proportion to population,
below the results of past
years. The number of deaths which occurred during the year was large, and the rate for
this asylum comparatively high. The mortality was chiefly due to fever, diarrhœa, dysentery,
and debility, and is attributed by the superintendent to the feeble, sickly condition in which
the patients were admitted.
Summary of
statistics.
No. 15.
YEARS.
1868
...
...
...
...
...
1869
...
...
...
...
...
1870
...
...
...
...
...
1871 ... ... ... ... ...
1872
...
...
...
...
...
Average ...
1873
...
...
...
...
...
Daily average strength.
162
161
183
211
234
190.2
268.8
PER CENT. OF AVERAGE STRENGHT.
Admitted.
64.2
65.8
54.1
40.8
52.9
55.6
46.9
Discharged.
Cured.
47.5
41.6
21.8
27.5
23.1
32.7
24.2
Improved.
3.7
11.1
1.1
1.4
2.1
3.9
2.1
Otherwise.
1.8
1.2
......
.5
1.7
1.04
2.6
Deaths.
3.7
13.6
9.8
5.7
6.8
7.9
10.05
Total discharges
and deaths.
56.7
67.5
32.7
35.1
33.7
45.1
39.06
Management.
54. The asylum is ably and carefully superintended, and the comfort and treatment of
the lunatics thoughtfully considered. I observe that mechanical restraint was not
employed in any case during the year.
CUTTACK
ASYLUM.
Superintendent.
No. 16.
YEARS.
1868
...
...
...
...
...
1869
...
...
...
...
...
1870
...
...
...
...
...
1871
...
...
...
...
...
1872
...
...
...
...
...
Average ...
1873
...
...
...
...
...
Daily average strength.
36
36
38
44
51
41
49.2
PER CENT. OF AVERAGE STRENGTH.
47.2
58.3
57.9
88.6
27.4
55.9
32.5
Discharged.
Cured.
22.2
11.1
44.7
27.2
9.8
23
22.3
Improved.
8.3
8.4
13.1
6.8
1.9
7.7
.......
Otherwise.
.......
2.7
23.7*
.......
1.9
5.7
.......
Deaths.
11.1
8.4
5.2
9.1
25.6
11.9
2.03
Total discharges
and deaths.
41.6
30.6
86.7
43.1
39.2
48.2
24.4
* Transfers to Dullunda.
Summary of
statistics.
55. Cuttack.—This asylum was under the charge of Surgeon-Major H. Cayley
during the year. The po-
pulation continued large
for the size of the asylum.
The numbers resident and
treated during the year
were somewhat smaller
than in 1872, but consider-
ably above the average of
previous years. The ad-
missions were fewer than
usual, because, to prevent
overcrowding, the recep-
tion of lunatics from Sum.
bulpore, in the Central
Provinces, was discontinued.
The number of recoveries
was about the average, and
only one death took place.
The inmates were very healthy. The excellent practice of weighing patients on admission
and discharge is pursued in this asylum.
A new asylum.
56. In order to relieve the overcrowded state to which this asylum has grown, the
building of a new asylum was sanctioned by Government in September, with accommodation
from 80 to 100 patients. The plan of this building is now under consideration. Experience
at Agra and Rangoon has abundantly shown that the standard plan proposed by the Sanitary
Commissioner with the Government of India, and adopted on his recommendation, is not
adapted to this country, if to any, and is extremely costly and inconvenient; and I have,
endeavoured, in communication with the Public Works Department and Dr. Payne
to arrange for an asylum better suited to the site and circumstances.
Management.
57. Mr. Buckle shows in his memorandum that this institution is managed with care
and humanity, and that every attention is paid to the health and comfort of the lunatics
confined in it.