Revitalizing and Upgrading State Mental Hospitals in Uttar Pradesh is Crucial in Today’s Context

Abstract

Mental hospitals have historically played a strong central role in providing mental health services in India. Their journey from asylum to hospitals has come a long way, yet there is a lot to be done as mental hospitals did not evolve as per the demand of the era. The role of mental hospitals is yet limited to the treatment of the insane. Patients are difficult to discharge due to neglect and unwillingness of families. People consider these hospitals as custodial setups for dumping down psychiatric patients. With the modernization of facilities in these hospitals, the scenario can be significantly changed. In order to effectively address the diverse needs of patients, a mental hospital must incorporate a range of specialized units within its premises, including departments dedicated to various domains such as addiction treatment, childhood psychiatric disorders, geriatric psychiatry and rehabilitation facilities. Along with those infrastructural developments such as separate ECT complex, ICU, hemato-biochemical lab and radiology unit will further enhance the efficiency of services in these hospitals.
Revitalizing and upgrading mental health institutions is imperative for the times. Upgrading mental health facilities shall help countering the stigma associated with mental health issues.