31,844 mentally ill patients identified; 2023 discharged, 23 died: Telangana govt to HC
The counsel said the government is taking all steps to implement the Mental Health Care Act, 2017 in the state.
By Newsmeter Network Published on 23 Sept 2023 7:58 AM IST
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Hyderabad: Telangana government has informed the High Court that 31,844 mentally ill and destitute persons have been identified in the state.
Arguing on the PIL, the state counsel said more than 2,023 patients have been discharged after extending medical aid. He said 27 mentally ill patients died due to old age-related ailments.
A division Bench comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice N.V. Shravan Kumar was adjudicating Public Interest Litigation filed by Integrated New Life Society for Education and Development (INSED), seeking a direction to the state government to implement the Mental Health Care Act, 2017 and establish Rehabilitation Centers for the Mental ill health destitute in all the districts
The court directed Principal Secretary, Disabled Welfare Department of the Medical and Health Department to file a counter affidavit furnishing the details about the total number of destitute persons who have been identified district-wise, the ratio of psychiatrists and paramedical staff, and facilities offered to the patients in every district.
The court also directed the petitioner to give suggestions in the form of a note as well, which can be included in the order for implementation.
The state counsel informed the court that a 225-bed hospital has been established, which extends medical aid to all mentally ill patients apart from providing them accommodation. He said all the 27 Medical Colleges in Telangana have the facility to extend medical aid to mentally ill patients.
The counsel said the government is taking all steps to implement the Mental Health Care Act, 2017 in the state. He said steps have been taken to establish Rehabilitation Centers for the mentally ill and destitute persons in Telangana.
Chief Justice Alok Aradhe asked the counsel what facilities are extended to those mentally ill patients, who have recovered but cannot live with their family members.
The counsel informed the court that the facility of halfway home has been created. Under Section 2 (c) of the Mental Health Care Act, 2017, halfway homes have to be created for such patients. He said such homes have also been created in the state for the benefit of the mentally ill health patients.
The matter has been adjourned to October 19.
