6   ANNUAL REPORT ON THE WORKING OF THE MENTAL HOSPLS. IN THE MADRAS PRESIDENCY

The most important point dwelt on by Dr. Hensman, however, is the
overcrowding of all the mental hospitals, especially that of Madras. The
average population of the Madras Mental Hospital throughout the year
was over 1,000, whereas its accommodation is for less than three-fourths
of that number. The average population of all three was 1,403, whereas
the total accommodation is 1,136. The population is tending to increase
yearly. Schemes are already planned for building the Madras and
Waltair hospitals and for improving that at Calicut. It is not likely
that these schemes can be completed for several years and already the
numbers of mentally affected are sufficient to fill these hospitals even
after their anticipated enlargement. I do not think the Madras Mental
Hospital should be enlarged beyond its proposed capacity of 1,100 : but
agree with Dr. Hensman that the two mufassal hospitals, especially that
at Calicut, will require considerable increase in buildings and staff to
cope satisfactorily with the increasing population of the mentally sick.

The work of the staffs of the three mental hospitals throughout the
year has been most satisfactory. In particular the Superintendship of
Dr. Hensman at the Madras Mental Hospital has my commendation.

                                                       I have the honour to be,
                                                                      Sir,
                                                   Your most obedient servant,

                              C. A. SPRAWSON, MAJOR-GENERAL, I.M.S.,
                            Surgeon-General with the Government of Madras.