Triennial Report on the working of the Punjab Lunatic Asylum for the
years 1918, 1919, 1920.
Population.
1. During the three years under review, the total population of the
asylum has been 1,346, 1,217, and 1,248, respec-
tively, showing a progressive increase, and an
advance of 471 (391 males and 80 females) in 1918, the largest number
reported in any previous triennial report. Of this number only 135 were
admissions from overseas, classed as military insanes. The 1,346 total population
in 1918, is the highest on record. This compared with a population of 465 in
1900, the year of the inauguration of the institution is abundant evidence of
the growing popularity of the asylum. It cannot reasonably be assumed that
since 1900, there has been a steady general increase of insanity in the
Punjab, nay, it clearly proves on the other hand that the benefits of
asylum treatment have become more widely known, and more patients are
sent here, instead of as heretofore being confined in their own homes. Not
only are large numbers brought by their friends or relatives, who beg for
admission, but many of those who have been discharged, have voluntarily
returned and sought readmission as soon as they discerned the return of early
symptoms.
The percentage of cures still shows a high average, viz. :— 201, 116 and
107, and compares favourably with any other similar institution. A correct
average is vitiated owing to the large percentage of criminal insanes, many of
whom, though sane, are retained for long periods under observation.
The numbers discharged as " improved " were 101, 109, and 136 and as
" otherwise " 42, 43 and 42, bringing the totals of cases discharged to 344,
268, and 285, respectively.
Although the admissions in 1919 and 1920 were appreciably less, the
daily average strength was 876.44, 874.99 and 862.82 during the three years
under review,
There has been very little difference in the total number of criminal
insanes during the period. The daily average strength was 165.70, 164.54 and
164.81, respectively,
Accommodation.
2 Overcrowding has been a prominent feature in all the sections.
The proposed separate criminal asylum when a
fiat accompli will undoubtedly relieve the
congestion for several years to come. The site proposed is to the west of the
present asylum now utilized as a vegetable garden. I, however, suggest a site
on the south side for the following reasons:—(1) The mortuary and the
asylum burial ground are too adjacent. (2) It is too near the old Mian Mir
nullah. The south side is higher, dryer, and less infested by mosquitoes.
About 50 acres of land have been acquired, on a portion of which the
new tubercular extensions now stand and which will soon be in occupation.
It provides accommodation for 24 patients. The benefits of these new exten-
sions are real, for they undoubtedly answer their purpose by checking the
spread of tuberculosis in the institution, and greatly facilitates the treatment
of the disease.
A well laid out cemetery is badly needed, as the present site offers no
further room for burial.
The roofs of the passages of the barracks in the criminal and miscellan-
eous sections have been suitably raised, improving both light and ventilation.
Cubicles have been fitted with expanded metal air vents.
Although four quarters for Europeans, and Indian paying patients, in
the Female Asylum have been completed during the triennium and a number
of European patients have been sent to Ranchi, overcrowding in this section
has by no means been relieved, A visiting room has also been provided.
The Asylum offices have been extended, and will be brought into use
as soon as they can be fitted with furniture.
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