The Kerala High Court has directed the state government to ensure the availability of adequate medicines and vehicles at mental health centres by November 24. The Division Bench, comprising Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice Basant Balaji, emphasised that official assurances must be matched by concrete action.
During the proceedings, the Advocate General informed the court that the construction of compound walls around the facilities is proceeding at a steady pace. Regarding the appointment of necessary personnel, the government requested an additional two weeks. The Advocate General noted that a recent change in the incumbent Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare department has delayed the process, as the official is currently reviewing relevant files.
The court has instructed the state to submit an action taken report regarding these infrastructure and staffing requirements by November 24. This directive follows earlier visits by the judges to mental health centres located in Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, and Kozhikode.
In September, the High Court expressed approval of the government's initiative to rename these facilities as “happiness and wellness centres.” The court observed that this change was necessary to address the long-standing stigmatisation faced by patients, their caregivers, and the institutions themselves.
Key facts
- The High Court set the deadline for medical supplies and transport for November 24.
- An action taken report regarding personnel and compound walls is due on the same date.
- The court previously visited mental health facilities in Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, and Kozhikode.
- The government previously announced plans to rename mental health centres as “happiness and wellness centres.”
- The Advocate General cited a change in the Health and Family Welfare department's leadership as a factor for the staffing delay.
Background
Earlier this year, the Kerala government communicated to the court that it was addressing infrastructure deficiencies and staff vacancies at the facilities with full sincerity, leading to the current judicial oversight of the improvements.
Source: The Hindu
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