Patna High Court Demands Action on Bihar's Mental Healthcare Shortfalls
The Patna High Court has taken serious note of alleged deficiencies in mental healthcare facilities and the lack of institutional support for mentally ill persons found abandoned on roads and streets across Bihar. In a significant move, the court has asked senior officials from both the state and central governments to file their responses on this pressing issue.
Court Order Issued During PIL Hearing
A division bench, comprising Chief Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo and Justice Harish Kumar, passed this order on Wednesday. The hearing was for a public interest litigation (PIL) initiated suo motu, based on a report prepared and submitted by the Bihar Legal Services Authority (BALSA).
Report Highlights Critical Observations
The report, dated February 17, was compiled after shortcomings were observed by the chief justice and other judges during their visit on February 14 to the Bihar Institute of Mental Health and Allied Sciences (BIMHAS) at Koilwar in Bhojpur district. BIMHAS is the state's only government-run institute dedicated to mental healthcare and research.
In highlighting key deficiencies, the bench made several critical observations. The court stated, "The vast population of Bihar and its extensive geography necessarily require the establishment of multiple branches of BIMHAS in its several regions." Additionally, the absence of dedicated facilities or wards in each government hospital for homeless people suffering from mental illnesses was identified as a major concern. The high court emphasized that shelter facilities are mandatory according to mental health care laws.
Officials Directed to Appear for Next Hearing
The bench has also directed key officials to remain present through videoconferencing on March 16, the date fixed for the next hearing of the PIL. Those required to attend include the principal secretary of the health department, the director general of police, the inspector general (prison), the mental health authority, and the director of BIMHAS.
This directive underscores the court's urgency in addressing the systemic failures in mental healthcare infrastructure across Bihar. The move aims to ensure accountability and prompt action from relevant authorities to improve conditions for some of the most vulnerable individuals in society.
