PGIMER Sees 34% Jump in Psychiatric Admissions

Admitted patients requiring psychiatric care at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) have seen a significant 34% increase over the last decade. Between 2015 and 2025, patient numbers rose from 1,344 to 1,799. Dr. Swapnajeet Sahoo, an associate professor in psychiatry, noted that the majority of these patients are those battling cancer, often experiencing stress, anxiety, or depression.

The institute is actively working to identify and provide essential psychiatric care to these patients, acknowledging the profound impact long-term illnesses have on both patients and their caregivers. While emotional and psychological care is recognized in many Western countries as integral to cancer treatment, India is still developing in this area. This year's Mental Health Day theme, "Lived experiences heard: Real voices, real change," underscores the importance of support groups and counseling.

To bridge the care gap, PGIMER's psychiatry department operates a 24/7 phone line. Hospital staff can report patients exhibiting potential mental health issues. A dedicated medical team then evaluates these individuals, offering medication and counseling if a mental health concern is identified. The number of patients evaluated through this service has steadily climbed, from 765 in 2009 to 1,760 in 2019, reaching 1,799 by 2025.

Furthermore, the department facilitates support groups for caregivers of patients with conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder and schizophrenia. Dr. Sahoo highlighted that sharing experiences within these groups offers relief, hope, and acceptance to both patients and their caregivers, aiding in their recovery and management of their medical conditions.