Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Oct 10: The State government’s ambitious plan to promote mental wellness on par with physical health has stalled, with the day-care centre for persons with mental illness at the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour (IPHB), Bambolim, still awaiting commissioning — nearly two years after being announced.

Sources told The Goan that although construction of the facility is complete, operational delays persist for unspecified reasons. Earlier hurdles such as lack of furniture, materials, and staff recruitment have reportedly been resolved.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, in his 2023 Budget speech, had announced an increase in funding for mental health from Rs 60.94 crore to Rs 72 crore, affirming that “mental wellness is just as important as physical fitness.” He had also assured that the day-care centre would become functional by October 2023.

The project aims to help individuals “reclaim self-reliance and confidence” through structured rehabilitation activities such as yoga, pottery, carpentry, bakery, embroidery, printing, and art.

Despite readiness of the infrastructure, no fresh commissioning date has been announced. “Implementation will be soon,” a senior IPHB official said.

Once operational, the centre will cater to individuals referred by government psychiatrists or consultants, serving both rehabilitated outpatients and current in-patients of IPHB.

Medical professionals described the project as a milestone in community-based mental health care, offering full-time weekday programmes focused on occupational therapy and life skills.

“Each patient will first undergo an evaluation by an occupational therapist to identify specific needs — in self-care, communication, or vocational skills,” an IPHB professional explained. “The therapy plan will then be customised to help them regain confidence and autonomy through hands-on activities and guided rehabilitation.”

However, with no clear timeline in sight, the project’s delay has raised questions about the State’s commitment to its mental health agenda.