Patients of mental hospital participate in unique contest

For the first time, patients from Regional Mental Hospital at Yeravada participated in a unique cultural contest held on the occasion of World Mental health day on Wednesday at Tilak Smarak Mandir. Patients got a chance to express their creativity by using recycled items to design clothes for a fashion show and fancy dress competition.

Award-winning senior psychiatrist from the hospital, Dr Madhumita Bahale, said that 13 patients had participated in the competition. Group songs, solo dances, mime and other events were also held.

Rony George, coordinator at Chaitanya mental health centre said that persons with chronic mental disorders from eight institutions such as Nityanand, Jagruti rehabilitation centre, Maher and others participated in the contest.

Dr Kishore Gujjar, President of the Poona Psychiatric Association said that the theme this year of the World Mental Health Day was tackling depression. Dr B Donglikar, superintendent of regional mental hospital, Yeravada was the chief guest . Several awards were given to psychiatrists for their outstanding work including Dr Vidyadhar Watve, Dr Sanjay Kumavat, state Deputy Director of Health and others.

When contacted Kumavat told Newsline that psychiatry departments in medical colleges are being upgraded while training of medical and paramedical workers is underway so that they can impart basic services to persons with mental illness at primary health centres.

Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) workers are also being trained so that they can help in diagnosing persons with mental illness so that early treatment can be provided.

Funds are being disbursed for the information education and communication aspect of the district mental health programme, Kumavat said.

A centre exclusively for senior citizens has been set up at Thane regional mental hospital and a 200 bed hospital for the elderly group of people has been set up at Ambejogai. The hospital is exclusively set up for senior citizens so that they can come and avail of treatment under one roof.

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