*24 June 2011* Rehabilitation of patients is prime objective [image: _DSC0010%20cc.jpg] Dr T Manoj Kumar
*KERALA* : Community psychiatry may be unknown to the people of Kerala. But it has been successfully practised in many European countries. That may be the reason why there are self-reliant citizens in those countries. Mental health plays a vital role in the overall development of the society. Rehabilitation of mentally challenged people in the state is an uphill task for the government. Mental Health Action Trust (MHAT), formed by Dr T Manoj Kumar and others, is providing comprehensive mental healthcare to economically backward people. The service has been termed commendable by all those who matter in two northern districts. Manoj Kumar, a well- known psychiatrist, had an innovative concept of mental care for India even when he was serving as a psychiatrist in the UK. After returning from England, Manoj Kumar, an avid traveller who has journeyed across the world, started the trust with the support of eight other like-minded people in Kozhikode. According to Manoj Kumar, the trust is currently functioning with the help of Palliative Care, a network of medical, paramedical professionals and volunteers dedicated to the alleviation of sufferings among patients and families. "We are providing the services of psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers and use the medical supports and facilities of Palliative Care. Currently, around 800 people from Wayanad and Malappuram districts are given treatment by the trust. Once accepted by MHAT and Palliative Care, the patient would be treated in our care for decades," he said. "One thing that had often disturbed me when I was serving as a doctor in England was that I was not using my full potential as a psychiatrist. Many of my friends had doubts about the successful implementation of the concept, but the project is heading towards its third anniversary, providing solace to hundreds of mentally ill," he pointed out. MHAT has 16 centres in Malappuram and Wayanad. "The economic backup of the trust became very fragile in the wake of growing expenses. In a bid to develop a financial set-up, we went to some of the Gulf countries. Many like-minded people of Kerala extended financial support," he said. "Providing better treatment and rehabilitation of poor patients is the prime objective of the trust. "We are not able to provide treatment to all mentally challenged people in the state. But we are striving hard to provide a comprehensive care to the deserving. It is often difficult to determine who is poor and the most deserving. We will start four more centres in Malappuram district and one in Wayanad. We also have plans to start centres in Thrissur," he said. The doctor does not seek publicity for their efforts. "If we do good work, we will come to be known for that. The only aim is to provide better treatment to the poor," Manoj Kumar said. For further information on the trust, see www.mhatkerala.org . http://www.cityjournal.in/Newspaper/20110624/metro/metro_14.html -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Mental Health Advocacy (News 'N Views) India" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/MhaNewsViewsIndia?hl=en ------------- Affiliated Groups : MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY INDIA [email protected] Discussions on mental health law / policy / plan monitoring / human rights etc [email protected] India-specific news and views related to mental health [email protected] Information and support to carers of people with mental health issues [email protected] Mutual support and sharing of experiential knowledge, skills and social learning amongst peers
