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Mental Health Centre Transformed from Prison to Haven
27 Jul
Summary
- Judges found the mental health center functioning like a prison.
- Government promises staff increases and improved facilities.
- Rehabilitation initiatives to be launched for patients with nowhere to go.
Judges from the Kerala High Court expressed significant concern regarding the Mental Health Centre (MHC), describing its operation as prison-like rather than patient-centric. They noted that despite ample open space across its 31 acres, the MHC offered no recreational or relaxation facilities, confining patients. The MHC authorities highlighted severe shortages in security and Grade IV staff, which impedes the necessary personal assistance for patients and limits their supervised outdoor access.
In response to the judicial directive issued on July 21, Kerala's Health Minister K. Muraleedharan announced on July 26, 2026, that the government would address these issues. Plans include appointing additional attenders, cooks, security staff, and launderers. The minister also committed to implementing the Mental Health Care Act of 2017 to foster a more patient-friendly environment. Furthermore, the government will focus on rehabilitation programs for the 55 inmates identified as fit for discharge but lacking alternative accommodation. The masterplan for the MHC's development will be revived, including the completion of unfinished buildings and improvements to campus safety and infrastructure.
