REPORT ON THE RANGOON LUNATIC ASYLUM FOR THE TRIENNIUM 1903-05.
3
9. Admissions into Hospital.-—Of the chief causes of admission during the
triennium, dysentery and diarrhœa show considerable variation ; but if these be
classed simply as "bowel affections," so as to cover varying diagnosis, it will be
found that the admission rate on the respective totals is the same for each of the
three years, namely, 15.9.
10. Prevalence of ague and tuberculosis.—There was a decline in the preva-
lence of ague in 1905 as compared with 1904, and a marked improvement in
respect to admissions for tuberculosis—there being only two against 17 in the
previous year.
11. Sanitation.—Considerable attention has been paid by the Superintendent,
Major Bell, I.M.S., to sanitary conditions of the asylum. Improvements have
been made in the method of drawing water so as to prevent contamination of the
rope. Trenching grounds have been removed further from the wells. The
excessive growth of trees near wards has been reduced, so as to permit of better
perflation. The wards underwent a general disinfection with perchloride of
mercury solution. The system of storing and distribution of water has been
revised so as to secure protection in locked cisterns provided with taps.
12. Diet.—In regard to diet he has adopted the sensible principles pursued
by Lieutenant-Colonel Frenchman, I.M.S., in respect to diet of prisoners by the
free use of various beans and dals, as substitute for the animal nitrogenous matter
formerly given in the form of beef and fish. The result has been in no way to
impair the health of the prisoners, and has been financially successful.
13. Dairy operations.—The general financial results for the year have been
satisfactory. The dairy has been managed so as to be a decided convenience to
the asylum, and yet to exhibit profit when compared with previous years. Rupees
4,015 were realized by sale of milk to the public and the asylum was supplied
with milk equivalent to a cost of Rs. 3,036. If the expenditure be placed against
receipts from milk, there is a balance of Rs. 871 in favour of the asylum, and
adding the sum of Rs. 914 realized by sale of calves bred in the premises, there
was a total profit of Rs. 1,785.
Statements
Nos. VIII
and IX.
14. Maintenance of Asylum.—If the total cost of maintenance for the three
years be compared per head of the daily average strength, it is found that there
has been a decrease under all heads in 1905 compared with 1904 and under certain
heads as compared with 1903, except under the head of establishment as exhibited
in the following comparative statement. This increase under establishment, was
due to the very necessary appointment of a whole-time Superintendent during the
year, and increase of the subordinate staff subsequent to October.
Heads of expenditure.
Establishment, including Superintendent ...
Diet
...
...
...
...
Clothing and bedding ... ... ... ...
Country medicine
...
... ... ...
Contingencies proper
...
...
...
Total cost per head ...
1905.
Rs.
78
47
0
0
22
149
A.
0
9
9
5
15
7
P.
0
2
0
9
2
1
1904.
Rs.
45
58
0
0
39
143
A.
0
2
10
5
5
8
P.
0
9
5
10
6
6
1903.
Rs.
41
44
1
0
17
105
A.
12
4
4
12
10
11
P.
7
3
3
5
1
7
15. Injuries.—There were thirty cases of local injuries under treatment
during 1905, 28 of these were inflicted with homicidal intent. There was one
suicide. It is hoped with the increase of staff allowed from the 1st October 1905,
there will be a decrease of injuries following better supervision, and a better
understanding of their duties by warders. The question of such supervision as
will decrease the risk of infliction of injuries and suicide is at present, under the
orders of Government, engaging my attention and that of the official visitors.
16. Escapes.—There was a total of seven escapes from the asylum during
1905. Of these six were captured.