my questions refers to a mental hospital in Ceylon, which is now called Sri Lanka.

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Request for Question Clarification by nenna-ga on 08 Apr 2004 14:03 PDT

Could you tell us more in detail what you're looking for about this Asylum?

nenna-GA

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Clarification of Question by pammo-ga on 08 Apr 2004 18:54 PDT

Ango Lunatic Asylum was the name of this psychiatric hospital (Angoda
Being the suburb) when I lived in Colombo through the fifties, sixties
and seventies.  In Sri Lanka, as it is known today, I believe the
hospital is now known as Mental Hospital Angoda (MHA).  The reason for
my question is that I am writing a book about my brother who was
resident there from the late sixties until his death in 1992.  The
conditions there were pretty bad, mainly overcrowding and
understaffed, and inadequate facilities to care for patients.  I have
tried to get relevant information on the google site but there seems
to be very little information available.  I hope that this information
helps the search.

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Request for Question Clarification by nenna-ga on 12 Apr 2004 09:31 PDT

Before I post an answer, I would like to clarify. Since you are
writing a book, I assume you are looking for specific details aboput
the hospital. Would the hospital's contact information suffice as an
answer for you, so that you could get directly in contact with them
and speak with them to get the exact info? I have the current hospital
directors name and information. Please let me know if this would work
as an answer and I will get back to you as soon as I know.

Nenna-GA

Also, it's before the time of your brother, but did you know the
hospital took a hit in WW2? It was bombed on accident...
"Ceylon Garrison Artillery and Boys of Royal Artillery managed to
shoot down many of the Japanese planes. One plane crashed into St.
Thomas' Ground, another one near Kelaniya Temple. The Angoda mental
hospital too faced an attack in which 15 inmates were killed. It was
an accidental drop of a bomb by the Japanese. They later apologised to
the Ceylon Government."

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Request for Question Clarification by nenna-ga on 15 Apr 2004 07:24 PDT

Hello, I am awaiting your response to my previous clarification request.

Nenna-GA

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Clarification of Question by pammo-ga on 15 Apr 2004 19:19 PDT

Thank you very much for the information you provided.  Yes, it would
be dequate if I could have the details to contact the direction of 
the Angoda Mental Hospital.

I found the information about the bombing of the hospital in the
second world war very interesting, thank you very much.

Hello pammo,

Sounds like the Angoda Hospidal was, and still is an interesting place
filled with saddness and history. You can contact the hospital at
Chief Matron K.M. Herath and Director,  Dr. Gayan Mendis
 Tel : 578234-6  Fax : 578238
(Note :- If you are outside Of Sri Lanka, You may use the country code
(0094) Before the number.)

The hospital has some interesting current and past things that have
been written about, such as this article talking about overcrowding
http://www.thesundayleader.lk/20030817/review-1.htm

Inferior meds being given to the patients

"When contacted the Medical officer of Mental Hospital, Angoda said
that the 'Carba Mazepin' found to be of inferior quality is still
being prescribed to mental patients and would bring serious side
effects."

"He said that Sri Lanka had become a dumping ground of inferior
quality drugs and medical equipment for multi-national drug companies.
" The authorities should draw special attention to find a solution to
this because the money spent is are public money which could be
utilized to upgrade the standard of the health sector", he pointed
out. "
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2002/02/10/new23.html

Another article about patients, staff, and conditions
http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2003/11/02/fea21.html

"According to one estimate, an alarming 10-12 percent of the country?s
population is suffering from minor psychiatric ailments. One percent
of the population is afflicted by serious mental illnesses. The rate
of common psychiatric diseases has risen by 14 percent from 225.2 per
100,000 head of population in 1980 to 257.7 per 100,000 in 1999.
Suicide and attempted suicide rates are also very high compared to
other countries, with 5,800 suicides last year alone."
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2001/jun2001/sri-j25_prn.shtml

And, Sri Lanka's Healts Expendatures 1990-1999
http://www.ips.lk/health/research/financinghealth/downloads/slnha_draft_2001.pdf

I spoke with the hospital, and they said they woud be more than
willing to provide you with any information you need for anything you
are writing. Good luck!

Nenna-GA

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Clarification of Answer by nenna-ga on 16 Apr 2004 09:29 PDT

Silly me,

I forgot to provide where my search all began:
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=Mental%20Hospital%20Angoda&btnG=Google+Search

"Metal Hospital Angoda" on Google

Nenna-GA