Not enough facilities at mental health centre: State human rights commission

Thiruvananthapuram: State human rights commission (SHRC) Chairman Justice Antony Dominic’s inspection of the Peroorkada Mental Hospital found many drawbacks.

The investigation was based on the complaints received by the SHRC of the sufferings of the inmates of the hospital.

The commission found that the lack of facilities is the biggest challenge faced by staff and patients. While there are hundreds of patients at the hospital, even basic facilities are not available to provide better treatment to them. The hospital does not have the facilities mentioned under the Mental Health Act. Since employees are still being appointed as per the old posts, there are not enough staff available considering the number of patients. The hospital’s old buildings too are not being renovated.

There is a significant reduction in the number of security personnel. The commission also found that there were no facilities to supervise and provide security for unwell prisoners.

A detailed order will soon be handed over to the government by the commission.

SHRC secretary SH Jayakeshan, registrar GS Asha, commission investigation division SP and S Devamanohar, and DSP SS Suresh Kumar were present with the chairman during the inspection.