ANNUAL REPORT ON LUNATIC ASYLUMS.
11
the manufacture of cloth and clothing by the inmates, and in the expenditure on
Wines and Spirits. Dr. Nanney speaks favorably of his subordinates.
27. Vizagapatam Asylum.—The year opened with 47 and closed with 42 patients
under treatment. The corresponding figures for 1877-78 were 41 and 47. The
total treated in 1878-79 amounted to 68, being an excess of 5 over the number in
the preceding year. The admissions in 1878-79 were 21, and therefore 1 less than
in 1877-78. In 10 of the cases admitted the probable causes of the attacks were
ascertained, and all belonged to the class of physical agencies. In 11 cases the
cause could not be ascertained. Twelve cases were discharged cured during the year,
giving a ratio of 57.14 per cent. on admissions. This exceedingly high rate must
be regarded as exceptional and not likely to recur. The number of deaths in the
year was 14, giving a mortality rate of 31.59 per cent. on the daily average
strength. This is excessively high, and in explanation the Superintendent states
that " it is to be accounted for in a great measure by the fact, that the incurable
cases are accumulating in the asylum, and that many of them are feeble and
subjects of organic disease and impaired constitution, the result of destitution and
starvation previous to admission coupled with their mental disease." It is also
stated that in several of the cases which died, the condition of health on admission
was recorded as bad or very bad. The asylum was free from epidemic disease,
although cholera was prevalent in the neighbouring village of Waltair. The main
remedial agents trusted to were occupation, recreation, appropriate diet and
plenty of fresh air. The chief employments were gardening, watering young trees,
and latterly basket and date mat-making. On Christmas and some of the chief
native festivals extra diet, fruit and sweets were distributed and a promenade with
musical instruments introduced. Sheep farming was tried, but failed, nearly the
whole of the animals having died from disease. The asylum buildings are sadly
in want of repair. Some changes were made in the medical establishment with a
view to economy. Surgeon-Major J. Smith continues in charge of the institution,
and has given intelligent attention to his duties. He reports that the conduct of
the subordinate officers and warders was on the whole satisfactory.
28. Calicut Lunatic Asylum.—The report on this institution is written by
Surgeon-Major Roberts. The total treated during the year was 64, exactly the
same number as in 1877-78. The admissions during the year amounted to 19 and
were therefore 1 more than in 1877-78. The discharges numbered 15, and of these
13 were sent out cured and 2 improved. The number recovered in 1877-78 was
also 13. The ratio of recoveries to admissions in the year under review was 68.42
per cent., while in 1877-78 it was 72.22. Both rates are exceptionally high, owing
to the limited number of admissions. Taken in their relation to average daily
strength the per cent. of recoveries in 1878-79 was 30.63 and 27.53 in 1877-78.
The deaths during the year under review numbered 8, giving a percentage of
18.85 to daily average strength. In 1877-78 there were 6 deaths, yielding a death-
rate of 12.70 on daily average residents. The rate of mortality in 1878-79 was
therefore lower in Calicut than in either of the other two asylums, but still high
as compared with the results of Bengal and European institutions. Of the 8 who
died the health-state on admission was bad in four instances and very bad in one.
The two admitted in good health who died were both advanced in years, one having
been of the age of 55 and the other of 57 years. The year 1878-79 closed with 41
patients remaining under treatment. There was no epidemic disease in the asylum
during the year, and the general health of the inmates was good. The diet
provided was sufficient, and suitable occupation and amusements were provided.
The occupation consisted of gardening, conservancy of the grounds, weaving,
tailoring, coir mat-making, &c. The Medical Subordinate did his work in a
satisfactory manner, but two Head Warders had to be discharged. The other
warders did their work fairly well.
29. Financial.—The following table contrasts the cash receipts in each of the
three asylums in 1878-79 with the receipts of the previous year. The chief receipts
are derived from the Treasury and from charges for paying patients.