GHRC recommends more rehab homes for mental health patients

Panaji: The Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) has suggested govt to create more rehabilitation homes in every taluka for individuals with mental health issues.

This recommendation follows concerns that many inmates at the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour (IPHB) at Bambolim, who require rehabilitation post-treatment, remain hospitalised due to limited capacity at the existing rehabilitation units in Majorda and Mapusa. IPHB currently has at least 190 inpatients.

The commission urged the directors of the departments of empowerment of persons with disabilities, social welfare, and the Institute of Public Assistance (Provedoria) to coordinate and expedite the establishment of rehabilitation homes in various talukas, with an action report within 90 days.

The commission, on visiting the institute to create awareness of human rights, found the overall hospital and premises, including the canteen and kitchen, to be very hygienic and well-supervised by a dietician and trained staff.

The commission’s acting chairperson, Desmond D’Costa, secretary Biju Naik, undersecretary Anita Bhosle, section officer Umesh Desai, legal assistant Nitesh Ambekar, accountant Jolizio Vales, and other staff visited the male and female wards and interacted with patients. They were welcomed by Dr Anil Rane and staff, who took them on a tour of the premises.