( 2 )
(b) The sickness judged by the total treated (132) and by the daily aver-
age number sick (15.44), though the figures are higher than for the preceding
year, and in the latter case double the mean of the preceding ten years, is not
such as would cause serious anxiety. The mortality, however, has been excep-
tionally heavy. In all 30 died, being 13.02 per cent. of the daily average
strength compared with 10.28 for 1887 and 10.30, the mean of the preceding
decennium. Cholera, dysentery, and tubercle are responsible for 8, 7, and 7
deaths respectively. In 1887, when general debility, epilepsy, and diarrhœa
were the chief causes of mortality, there was no cholera in the Asylum, nor were
there any deaths from dysentery, and but one from phthisis. The measures
adopted to combat sickness are given in the body of Dr. Griffith's report.
(c) In April 1887 orders were issued by the Chief Commissioner for the
payment by Municipalities of the cost of pauper lunatics. In February 1888
these orders were extended and made to apply to Town Committees. From these
sources Rs. 8,009 were received. But there are still in the Asylum 38 pauper
insanes—20 from Moulmein, 10 from Prome, 4 from Amherst, and 4 from Thar-
rawaddy—for whom no payment is made. Dr. Griffith speaks of other two, one
from Pagan and one from Bhamo ; but, as observed in the Chief Commissioner's
Resolution on the Report for 1887, Municipalities in Lower Burma only are re-
quired for the present to make these payments.
3. The headings in Statement No. 6 have been arranged this year accord-
ing to the classification prescribed in the last edition of the Nomenclature of
Diseases, and in Statement No. 7 in compliance with the Government of India
Resolution in the Home Department No. 9-700—10, dated the 31st October last.
Annual Report of the Rangoon Lunatic Asylum for the year 1888.
Situation and Buildings, &c.—The Asylum buildings are in much the same
condition as they were last year. All necessary annual repairs have been executed
and many of the criminal cells, which were almost uninhabitable during the
rainy weather, have been put in good order.
No other alterations or additions have been made to the buildings and
cottages during the year.
The accommodation has been found sufficient on the civil side for the number
of patients treated during the past year, but it cannot be stated to be adequate
for the number of admissions on the criminal side. In September the criminal
enclosure was full and a report had to be made that no more patients could be
admitted, but since several criminals have been discharged and there is now
room for a few more patients ; but if admissions of criminals continue to increase
at the same rate as they have been doing during the past two years, an upper
story to the existing building will have to be constructed.
Water-supply.—Good, but not abundant in the hot weather. Considering
that the population has nearly doubled itself during the last ten years two wells
cannot be sufficient, and as there is a greater demand for vegetables I am of
opinion that it is absolutely necessary to have two more wells constructed. I
have reported the matter officially to the Public Works Department with the
view to having the cost of the same placed in next year's budget.
Conservancy.—Conducted as in former years.
Clothing and Bedding.—The clothing is in good order and of suitable quality,
but it will be found further on that it could not be purchased as economically
as in former years. Flannel suits were purchased for use in the rains and for
December and January.
Diet.—Calls for no remarks. It may be said that the supply of vegetables
from our own garden failed during the year owing, it is said, to the manure
used being too new and the ground having become exhausted.
POPULATION, ADMISSIONS, &c.
On the 1st January 1888 there remained in the Asylum 210 males and
15 females, giving a total of 225 patients. The fresh admissions during the year