THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Staff shortage, crumbling infrastructure, chronic overcrowding and alleged violations of patient rights continue to plague the Mental Health Centre (MHC) at Peroorkada, one of the country’s oldest psychiatric institutions, despite repeated interventions from the Human Rights’ Commission and High Court.
Established in 1870, the state-run institution – now 156-years-old – that caters to patients from across Kerala and neighbouring states continues to face neglect leaving the patients in a difficult situation. It’s been eight years since a master plan was formed to give a much-needed facelift for the institution.
Conceived in 2019 with an initial allocation of Rs 100 crore, the project has seen little progress. After the government removed KITCO as the implementing agency in 2023 and entrusted HITES (HLL Infra Tech Services) with the project, the proposed redevelopment has remained largely on paper.
An official of the MHC said that the previous government has granted a financial sanction of Rs 87 crore for the project. The implementation now depends on policy decisions of the new government,” the official added.
The prolonged delay in the implementation of the masterplan has come under renewed scrutiny following the High Court’s inspection of the hospital on Friday, during which judges, accompanied by senior government officials, reviewed the living conditions and functioning of the institution.
Infrastructure gaps – including damaged toilets, temporary sheet roofing, inadequate dining facilities and the absence of privacy in bathing areas – continue to affect patient dignity. According to official sources, around six wards and an outpatient block have been shut down for renovation, worsening overcrowding at the hospital.
“The renovation work is also not progressing. We are forced to restrict fresh admissions. The shortage of functional wards has already resulted in patients being accommodated in congested conditions. In some of the wards, patients are forced to sleep on the floor due to lack of beds,” said an official source.
Patient rights violations remain another major concern at the hospital. It is learned that several wards continue to face irregular drinking water supply, inadequate ventilation and persistent mosquito menace. “Bystanders accompanying patients are also forced to endure difficult conditions, with many sleeping in open spaces due to the absence of a proper dormitory equipped with basic amenities, sanitation facilities and security,” sources said.
