---
title: "Kozhikode's IMHANS Continues Without Full-Time Director Post-2025 Vacancy"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/kerala-mental-health-institute-lacks-director-07qzr
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Health
published: 2026-08-13T09:30:20.375Z
modified: 2026-08-13T12:00:06.560Z
language: en-IN
---

# Kozhikode's IMHANS Continues Without Full-Time Director Post-2025 Vacancy

The Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) in Kozhikode, a key Kerala government mental healthcare facility, has been without a permanent director since January 2025. The prolonged vacancy impacts the institute's ability to develop new schemes and lead research initiatives.

## Key takeaways

- Kozhikode's Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) has been without a full-time director since January 2025.
- The vacancy follows the death of incumbent director P. Krishnakumar.
- The recruitment process for a new director has been stalled since the previous state government initiated it.
- A full-time director is considered essential for IMHANS to formulate new schemes and lead research efforts.

The Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) in Kozhikode, a leading mental healthcare institution operating under the Kerala government's Health department, has not yet appointed a full-time director. The position became vacant following the demise of the incumbent, P. Krishnakumar, in January 2025.

IMHANS, an autonomous body, is involved in mental healthcare delivery, training, research, and policy development. Despite initial steps taken by the previous government to fill the vacancy by inviting applications from qualified individuals, the recruitment process remains stalled. This administrative delay has persisted even after a change in state government leadership.

## What Happened

P. Krishnakumar, who served as the long-term director of IMHANS, passed away in January 2025. Since then, the leadership of the institute has been managed by acting directors. Initially, K.G. Sajeeth Kumar, Principal of Government Medical College, Kozhikode, held the charge for approximately five months. Currently, V.P. Jithu, Head of the Department of Psychiatry, is overseeing the responsibilities.

## Why It Matters

Sources indicate that a permanent director is essential for formulating new mental healthcare schemes and driving research. IMHANS serves patients from most districts in northern Kerala, offering outpatient services, an autism clinic, community mental health programs, child development services, and rehabilitation projects. The absence of a full-time director could impede the institute's strategic planning and operational efficiency in addressing these critical mental health needs.

## Background

IMHANS offers academic programs including M.Phil degrees in Psychiatric Social Work and Clinical Psychology, and a post-basic diploma in psychiatric nursing. These programs were introduced in 2014 and 2017 respectively, and were noted as the first of their kind in Kerala's government sector. The institute acquired its own building during Dr. Krishnakumar's tenure. Additionally, IMHANS was recognized by the Union government to be elevated as a centre of excellence in mental health during its 11th plan, acknowledging its community-focused projects.

## Key Facts

- The Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) is a premier healthcare institution under the Kerala government's Health department in Kozhikode.
- The institute has been without a full-time director since the incumbent, P. Krishnakumar, passed away in January 2025.
- K.G. Sajeeth Kumar, Principal, Government Medical College, Kozhikode, served as acting director for about five months, followed by V.P. Jithu, Head of the Department of Psychiatry.
- The recruitment process to fill the director's post was initiated by the previous Left Democratic Front government but has not been completed.
- Staff at IMHANS have proposed T.M. Shibu Kumar, Associate Professor at Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode, for the director role.
- IMHANS provides mental healthcare services, including outpatient care, an autism clinic, community programs, child development, and rehabilitation services.
- The institute offers M.Phil programs in Psychiatric Social Work and Clinical Psychology, and a post-basic diploma in psychiatric nursing.
- IMHANS was designated by the Union government as a centre of excellence in mental health during its 11th plan.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/kerala-mental-health-institute-lacks-director-07qzr
Reported from: Multiple Sources