In Bengaluru, a concerning trend has emerged from the streets and emergency care centres: women experiencing homelessness alongside mental illness are reaching critical points more often and remaining without a home for longer durations compared to men. This stark reality is becoming increasingly visible in Karnataka's network of Emergency Care and Recovery Centres (ECRCs).
Data Reveals a Gendered Crisis
Information from the city-based Aaladamara Foundation shows a significant shift: women now outnumber men in these critical care facilities. This highlights the compounded vulnerabilities created by the intersection of gender, homelessness, and mental illness. The trend persists even as the state government works to expand its emergency mental healthcare network.
The duration of homelessness is higher among women — 2.5 years compared to 1.9 years among men, stated Dr Kishore Kumar KV, executive director of the Aaladamara Foundation. He shared these insights during a round-table meeting held on Saturday to review the progress of the Manovruksha initiative.
Dr Kumar further explained that not only are more women seeking care, but they also typically arrive at institutions at an older age than men. Of the 230 in-patient admissions recorded by Aaladamara in the 2024–25 period, 52.6% were women, while 47% were men. A majority of these patients were single—unmarried, separated, or divorced—with families often unable to offer support due to poverty or other constraints. On a positive note, Dr Kumar added that around 60–70% of patients respond positively to treatment within six to seven weeks.
The Manovruksha Initiative and Expansion Plans
The health department's Manovruksha programme was launched in October 2024 as a public-private partnership. Its core mission is to provide emergency care and recovery services for homeless individuals living with mental illness. Currently, four ECRCs are operational across the state:
- CV Raman Hospital in Bengaluru
- Udupi district
- Gadag district
- Yadgir district
These centres are managed in collaboration with organisations like Aaladamara Foundation, Dr AV Baliga Memorial Hospital, and Saarthi Society.
Dr Rajani Parthasarathy, deputy director (mental health), reported that 154 people have benefited from Manovruksha so far, with 116 successfully discharged after treatment. The programme is set to grow, with new ECRCs planned for Bengaluru Rural, Bengaluru Urban, Chitradurga, Davanagere, Ramanagara, and Mysuru districts.
Challenges in Rehabilitation and Reintegration
While commending the government's efforts, retired High Court judge N Kumar, who advises the programme, pinpointed a crucial gap. He noted that while infrastructure, nurses, and psychiatrists are available, there is a pressing need for dedicated social workers. "What we need are people who can rescue homeless persons with mental illness and bring them to hospitals. Beyond salaried staff, we need individuals with commitment," he emphasized.
NGOs involved in the discussion raised another persistent hurdle: tracing and contacting families for the reintegration of patients. Legal provisions require reintegration into the community after a stipulated period, but this mandate often complicates long-term rehabilitation efforts when families cannot be located or are unwilling to provide support.
Success Stories: From Patient to Gardener and Customer Agent
The health department shared inspiring case studies demonstrating the transformative potential of the ECRC programme. One involved 'Mr R', admitted to the CV Raman Hospital ECRC suffering from auditory hallucinations and severe distress. His recovery journey took a pivotal turn in the hospital garden, where he was often seen caring for a wilted plant. This simple act of nurturing blossomed into a new skill and career. Today, Mr R works as a skilled gardener, earning a livelihood. In a poignant full-circle moment, he later returned to the ECRC with his mother to seek help for her as well.
Another story is that of 'Ms Z', who struggled with abandonment after her father's sudden death and sought solace in memories of a past relationship. After receiving treatment and rehabilitation at an ECRC, she has rebuilt her life and is now employed as a customer experience agent, showcasing the power of sustained care and successful community reintegration.
