A day care centre for the mentally ill has become a reality with two government day care centres—one each in Muvattupuzha and Tripunithura—functioning in Ernakulam. Since there is more demand, health officials have sought government nod for a third in Thrikkakara.

KOCHI: A day care centre for the mentally ill has become a reality with two government day care centres—one each in Muvattupuzha and Tripunithura—functioning in Ernakulam. Since there is more demand, health officials have sought government nod for a third in Thrikkakara.

With this, the mentally ill—aged between 15 and 50—get a new place to stay when family members work from 9am to 5pm. They are picked and dropped home, get treatment and food for free at the day care centre, besides participating in yoga session and activities like playing carom.

"Such people have limited job opportunities and less acceptance among family members and society. Though a person with mental illness can lead a normal life with medication, there is still stigma and dejection. We are working towards making their lives better," said nodal officer of comprehensive mental health programme in Ernakulam, Dr Ajeesh Ramachandran.

Now, health officials are trying to secure jobs for day care centre inmates. They plan to give them opportunities by helping them make coir products, medicine cover and candles. The amount got by selling the products will be distributed among the inmates. Also a disability certificate and card is made available to them within a week.

Mental health is a major concern in Kerala

"Day care centres are gaining popularity. As there is immense demand to open a centre at Thrikkakara, we have send a proposal to the government. Most of them are from middle class or poor families with family members who have regular jobs. There is no one to take care of them at home," said Dr Haseena Muhammed, district programme manager, National Health Mission. Sources said that almost 25 requests have been received at Thrikkakara.

While the centre at Muvattupuzha started functioning in mid-June, health authorities, with the help of Tripunithura municipality, started the centre last Saturday and enrolled 5 persons. Meanwhile, in Muvattupuzha there are 15 inmates, with an additional 30 expressing interest to join the centre.

"At present we can't admit many as we operate from the primary health centre's hall. Ayavana panchayat has agreed that we can start a day care in a school that closed down in 2013. Once this is ready, we will be able to admit 100 people," added Dr Mathews Numpeli, in-charge, Ayavana PHC.

