19 mentally-challenged inmates from Jharkhand and Bihar of Palluruthy Relief Settlement (PRS) have been taken to their home state and admitted to Ranchi Institute of Neuro Psychiatry and Allied Sciences (RINPAS), thanks to the initiative taken by Kerala State Legal Services Authority. Those who escorted the 13 men and 6 women have boarded the train back to Kerala on Tuesday.
The inmates who are believed to have boarded trains and stranded were taken to PRS. “We received a letter from PRS stating that residents from Jharkhand and Bihar suffering from psychological problems of varying degrees required advanced treatment. Moreover, the court directed that relatives of the outstation inmates be traced and we took their details and medical report and sent it to our counterparts in Jharkhand,” said P Mohandas, member secretary, KELSA.
Though the initiative was taken up in March, it got a response from the Jharkhand Legal Services Authority after a long time. “We got a directive from them to take the inmates to RINPAS as many of the relatives may not be willing to take them back,” he said.
After Justice Thottathil Radhakrishnan gave the first order, discussions were held with the amicus curie, government pleader and railway lawyer to take them to home state immediately.
KELSA had to release the payments for the journey of the patients and escorts which included four doctors, six paramedical attenders, four social workers and Railway Police Force. The railway authorities were directed to ensure reserved seats for the team. The Railways also ensured food and care for the entire team, he said.
KELSA spent about `45,000 to `50,000 for the initiative of which doctors will return the amount after being reimbursed.