Yesterdate: This day from Kolkata’s past, April 3, 1787

The first recorded evidence of arrangements being made for mental health patients in Kolkata goes back to this date.

D.G. Crawford in his book A History of the Indian Medical Service, 1600-1913 mentions that the proceedings of the Calcutta Medical Board of April 3, 1787, contain a memorial from “surgeon G.M. Kenderdine in charge of the Insane Asylum”.

The board recommended to the government, in a letter dated May 7, 1787, the foundation of a regular asylum and nominated assistant surgeon William Dick to take charge. Dick was appointed on a salary of Rs 200 per month.

By November 1788, permission had been given for the establishment of a mental hospital for women.

For suggestions on dates/events mail us at: yesterdate@abp.in