MENTAL HOSPITALS IN THE MADRAS PRESIDENCY         5

The pay of the attendants was also revised and placed on a satis-
factory basis.

The following additional non-medical staff were also sanctioned :—

                                            Madras.

    One deputy overseer on Rs. 80—4—100.
    One work mistress on Rs. 60—4—80—5—90.
    One gate peon on Rs. 15—20.
    Four male totis on Rs. 20 each per mensem.
    Two female totis on Rs. 12 each per mensem.

A special pay of Rs. 5 for the seniormost toti to be designated
" maistri toti " was also sanctioned.

                                            Calicut.

    One deputy overseer on Rs. 80—4—100.

    One permanent clerk on Rs. 35—60 in place of the temporary clerk
on Rs. 35.

    One female toti on Rs. 10 per mensem.
A proposal to revise the pay of the totis in the mental hospitals is
under the consideration of Government. The establishment of a home
for mentally defective children and the starting of mental clinics in the
teaching hospitals attached to the medical colleges are still under
consideration.

In bringing to the notice of Government the good work done by the
Superintendents of the mental hospitals in this Presidency, I would
observe that these institutions are still in a process of evolution and that
there is still a great deal of work to be done before they can become
modern hospitals for mental diseases. On the other hand the progress
which has been made in the treatment of mental diseases and the results
which have been attained are gratifying.

The latest methods of treatment are aimed at in so far as is possible
with the limited resources which are available. General treatment such
as fresh air, sunlight and liberal dieting are adopted for all cases ; and
rest, sedatives, hydrotherapy and tonics in selected cases. In recovering
cases occupation is found to have a more beneficial effect than any other
treatment. Occupation therapy is found to be useful to the chronic,
degenerated and demented patients who had formerly been regarded as
incurable and unemployable. A few of the patients, who were suffering
from delusional insanity and who were considered in previous years as
incurable have now shown a marked change for the better and have
become fit for discharge. The report under review shows that out of a
population of 1,595 inmates 159 have been cured, 62 improved and only
28 discharged not improved.

It is hoped that the Conference of the Superintendents at Ranchi
where Lt.-Col. Berkelly Hill is carrying out modern methods of treat-
ment will result in improvements being effected in the existing mental
hospitals in this Presidency.

                                                I have the honour to be,

                                                        Sir,

                                                Your most obedient servant,

                                    J. W. D. MEGAW, COLONEL, I.M.S.,

                        Offg. Surgeon-General with the Government of Madras.

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