Government[NLS note: a graphic appears here - see image of page] of Madras

    LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT (PUBLIC HEALTH) DEPARTMENT.

                        G.O. No. 1203, P.H., 7th May 1929

        Mental Hospitals—Report for 1928—Recorded with remarks.

READ—the following:—

Letter from Colonel J. W. D. MEGAW, C.I.E., V.H.S., I.M.S., Surgeon-
    General with the Government of Madras, to the Secretary to Govern-
    ment, Local Self-Government (Public Health) Department, dated 25th
    March 1929, R. No. 682-G-l.

Order—No. 1203, P.H., dated 7th May 1929.

Recorded.

2.  Strength.—There was a further increase during the year both in
the number of patients under treatment and in the daily average strength,
—the totals being 1,595 and 1,199 respectively against 1,512 and 1,105
during 1927.

3.  Sick rate and mortality.—The epidemic of influenza which occurred
in the Madras Mental Hospital was partly responsible for the increase in
the average number of patients sick in hospital, from 136 in 1927 to 193
in 1928. Fortunately however there was no death from the disease and
the death-rate fell from 7.2 to 6.9 per cent of the average strength.

4.  Buildings.—The buildings of all the three mental hospitals are in
need of considerable improvements and extensions. In order that these
may be carried out on the most up-to-date lines, the Superintendents of
the hospitals were asked to visit the European Mental Hospital at Ranchi
and to confer with the Superintendent of that institution before drawing
up detailed proposals. The results of the conference are awaited.

5.  Sanitation.—A scheme for the proper drainage of the Madras
Mental Hospital has been sanctioned. The question of improving the
sanitation of the village, Sanyasigadu, adjoining the hospital, is engaging
attention.

6.  General.—As remarked by the Surgeon-General, continued progress
is being made in the direction of converting these institutions from mere
asylums into modern hospitals for the scientific treatment of mental
diseases. The nursing staff of the hospitals and the staff of attendants
were reorganized during the year under report. A considerable addition
to the medical staff has recently been sanctioned. Proposals for a home
for mentally defective children are awaited from the Surgeon-General,