Government Vows Reform Following Judicial Censure of Thiruvananthapuram Mental Health Centre
The Kerala government has pledged immediate systemic upgrades at the Peroorkada Mental Health Centre after a High Court inspection revealed prison-like conditions for inmates. Authorities plan to address severe staffing shortages and finish long-stalled infrastructure projects to improve care.
Judicial Oversight Exposes Institutional Neglect
A recent inspection by Kerala High Court Justices Devan Ramachandran and Basant Balaji on July 18 has triggered a significant government response regarding the status of the Mental Health Centre (MCH) in Thiruvananthapuram. The judicial review criticized the facility for operating more like a detention center than a modern psychiatric hospital. Despite occupying 31 acres of land, the institution has failed to provide patients with recreational spaces, leaving them confined to cells without social or therapeutic outlets.
Staffing Crises and Operational Hurdles
Facility administrators detailed several systemic failures during the judicial visit, citing a critical lack of Grade IV personnel. Current operational data reveals a stark vacancy gap:
- Only 127 attenders are currently employed against a sanctioned strength of 158.
- Permanent positions for 13 cooks and launderers were eliminated over previous years.
- A lack of dedicated security personnel forces existing staff to juggle multiple roles, including driving and cooking.
Judges noted that these shortages prevent patients from accessing the outdoors, as there are not enough caregivers to monitor movement safely within the inadequately walled campus.
Legislative Compliance and Infrastructure Renewal
Following the court's directive, Health Minister K. Muraleedharan announced on July 26, 2026, that the state will finally implement the Mental Health Care Act of 2017. This initiative aims to shift the MCH toward a patient-centric model. The government's plan includes:
- Hiring a full complement of security, cooking, and laundry staff.
- Completing two hospital buildings that have remained shells for 22 years.
- Repairing internal roads and securing the perimeter with a completed compound wall.
- Establishing rehabilitation programs for 55 patients who are medically fit for discharge but currently have no place to go.
The Minister confirmed that the facility's long-dormant master plan will be revived to ensure the structural integrity of existing wards and the creation of open-air relaxation zones for recovery.
Source: The Hindu — Home
