No permanent psychiatrists at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison

Bengaluru: The shocking incident of a mentally-ill patient being shot dead by police commandos at Nimhans on Sunday brought the issue of Mental Health Act, concerning the rights of the mentally-ill patients, to the fore.

The 22-year-old patient, Vishwanath, an undetrial, had been brought to Nimhans from the Parappana Agrahara Central Prison for treatment. “Certain protocols need to be followed while treating a mentally-ill prisoner. But on a broader platform, it is about safeguarding the interest of mentally ill patients and also safeguarding the public from the mentally ill,” said Dr H. Chandrashekar, head of the department of psychiatry at Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute.

He pointed out that Victoria Hospital houses another hostile and mentally-ill patient, 'Psycho Shankar', who has been admitted there for treatment. “It is common for mentally-ill patients to spit, abuse and stab others," said Dr A. Jagadish, a psychiatrist and Head of the Department of Psychiatry at Abhaya Hospital.

Sunday’s incident has highlighted the need to strengthen facilities to manage violent patients. “It is about time the Mental Health Act is strengthened and enforced like in the West. The government should concentrate on the rights of mentally-ill patients," Dr Jagadish said.

“There is a need to appoint a permanent psychiatrist at the Central Prison. Now, there are only two visiting psychiatrists at the jail," said Dr Chandrashekhar. Recently, the Karnataka High Court directed the government to appoint a permanent psychiatrist to the central jail, but no decision has been taken yet.

Only two government hospitals in the city, Nimhans and Victoria Hospital, treat mentally-ill prisoners. "Private hospitals generally stay away from such cases as legal protocols are involved," said Dr Satish, former medical superintendent of Nimhans.

"People with mental disorders are particularly vulnerable to abuse and violation of their rights and if a protective mechanism is not in place. Sadly in our country, mental healthcare is not perceived as an important aspect of public healthcare. The Mental Health Act will play an important role in upholding the rights of the mentally ill," said Dr Jagadish. A senior professor said, “Security people should ensure that a violent patient has zero access to any weapon or instrument that can cause harm to him and others.”