Global Philanthropic Report 2019 - SECT, VKF & Go2C

admitted in the open wards of an outpatient block of Mental Hospital meant for acute care with
family members by their side, 54.1% males and 35.7% females had to be shifted to the closed
main hospital even within a week or two, as the relatives expressed their inability to look after
them. Needless to say that the state psychiatric hospitals play a pivotal role in the mental health
care delivery system even in this modern era.
It is important to note the current quality of care being provided in these public institutions of
healthcare speaks of improvements and sensitivities in the current system. Care based sessions
begin at the institute after breakfast every day. For example, residents grow vegetables
organically on the sprawling premises. Several residents used to bake bread on an industrial scale
(the devices are non-operational currently though), sufficient to meet the requirements of 3
medical colleges in Chennai. Three times a week, they all do yoga together !
Care at the Institute through various forms of Therapy (Credits: The Hindu)
At an industrial therapy centre, women patients make baskets from popsicle sticks, jute bags,
soft toys, wire baskets, cell phone pouches, paper packs for medicines, candles, mats and cloth
bags. All this has been possible with interactions from civil society and the work of non profits,
such as The Banyan, who have undertaken many initiatives within the institute such as coloured
clothes, employment placements, securing voting rights etc. which have been covered widely in
the news.
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