Kerala govt. promises to correct deficiencies at Mental Health Centre in Thiruvananthapuram

Published 27 July 2026 · health

Close on the heels of the directive issued by judges of the Kerala High Court on July 21, after their inspection of the infrastructure and

Close on the heels of the directive issued by judges of the Kerala High Court on July 21, after their inspection of the infrastructure and inmates’ affairs at the Mental Health Centre (MHC) here, the government has promised to do the needful to resolve the immediate issues faced by the institution. In their judicial review running into pages, Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice Basant Balaji had expressed much concern and anguish over the fact that the MHC, instead of developing as a patient-centric, modern psychiatric hospital with facilities for the health, wellness and social integration of mentally ill patients, was continuing to function like a prison where patients were confined to their cells, with no opportunities for any recreation or relaxation beyond the four walls. The judges noted that this was despite the fact that the institution, sprawled across 31 acres, had ample open space for creating receration-cum-relaxation nooks for patients.

Problems raised The authorities of the MHC had, during the visit of the judges, explained the problems they were facing due to acute shortage of security staff to man the vast campus, which is not properly walled-in, and that of Grade IV staff—attenders, cooks, drivers and launderers—which was creating many practical difficulties in the daily affairs of the institution. Most of the patients in the institution required more personal assistance and care to even manage their daily affairs, and this was grossly affected because of the shortage of attenders, the authorities said. Without adequate security staff or attenders to constantly monitor them, the patients could not be allowed out frequently. The authorities pointed out that because of the shortage of staff, the available staff had to double up as security staff, cooks or drivers.

It added that only 127 attenders were available to work though the sanctioned strength was 158. Also, the posts of 13 cooks and launderers had been scrapped over the years. Minister’s assurance Following the judicial directive, Health Minister K. Muraleedharan said on Sunday (July 26, 2026) that adequate number of attenders, cooks, security staff, and launderers would be appointed to the MHC. Once this was completed, open-air facilities would be created so that patients well enough can be allowed outside with the attenders in charge so that they can have social interaction and relaxation. The Minister said that the Mental Health Care Act of 2017 would be implemented in letter and spirit so that the mental health institutions in the State become more patient-friendly. As pointed out by the High Court judges, 55 inmates in the institution were fit to be discharged but they continued to be at the MHC as they had nowhere else to go.