Nagpur's Regional Mental Hospital Witnesses Quiet Revolution in Women's Care
In a remarkable story of dedication and compassion, the Women's Section of the Regional Mental Hospital (RMH) in Nagpur has undergone a profound transformation under the leadership of Kunda Katekhaye Bidkar. As the Social Service Superintendent (Psychiatry), Bidkar has dedicated her efforts to restoring identity, rights, and family connections for women grappling with mental illness, marking a significant shift in psychiatric care practices.
Decades of Service and Expertise
Bidkar brings over 26 years of experience in social work to her role, having joined the RMH in September 2021 and taken charge of the Women's Section in July 2023. Her academic credentials are impressive, including a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), a Master of Social Work (MSW) specializing in Medical and Psychiatric Social Work, and an MPhil in Social Work. This robust educational foundation has equipped her with the skills necessary to tackle complex cases with sensitivity and precision.
Historic Reunions and Cross-Border Success
Since assuming leadership in July 2023, Bidkar has orchestrated the reunion of 187 unidentified women with their families, spanning an astonishing 17 Indian states. These reunions often involved separations lasting decades, with cases including a 75-year-old woman with dementia who was reunited after 35 years, and others reconnected after 36, 28, 26, 22, 21, 17, and 14 years. In one particularly poignant instance, siblings were reunited after 42 years through telephonic counselling alone.
Her work reached a historic milestone in June 2025, when she coordinated what is believed to be India's first cross-border reunion of its kind. Collaborating with the Ministry of External Affairs, Bidkar ensured the safe handover of a woman from Chittagong at the India–Bangladesh border, showcasing her ability to navigate international protocols. Additionally, her rehabilitation efforts have extended to interstate placements, such as a December 2025 case facilitated through an NGO in Telangana.
Legal Advocacy and Systemic Challenges
Beyond family reunions, Bidkar has pursued legal remedies in 32 cases through the District Legal Services Authority. These efforts have led to significant outcomes, including the recovery of property valued at over ₹20 lakh in a West Bengal matter, the cancellation of erroneous death certificates, and the resolution of marital and maintenance disputes. Her work typically requires extensive coordination with police, district administrations, and NGOs, often involving sustained follow-up that can stretch for months or even years.
Describing the challenges, Bidkar noted, "Each reunion comes after countless calls to police stations, SP or CP offices, panchayat offices, collector offices, sarpanch and police patils." She highlighted repeated non-responses, resistance, and discouragement, adding, "Even we write to PMO and CMO in desperation after getting no responses. But help does come, and I track families from even the remotest part of any state and their contacts in the end."
Holistic Support and Recognition
Bidkar's approach extends beyond immediate reunions to ensure long-term stability. She has assisted families in accessing government schemes to support reintegration and provides post-discharge counselling to reduce the risk of abandonment and relapse. Her unwavering commitment has not gone unnoticed; she has been honored with Best Employee awards in 2024 and 2025, the Nagpur Vibhuti Award in October 2025, the "Navdurga" title by a publication house, and recognition from state ministers of health and family welfare at AIIMS-Nagpur.
This story underscores the critical role of social work in mental healthcare, demonstrating how persistent advocacy can transform lives and restore dignity to some of society's most vulnerable members.
