The Mental Health Centre Inspection at the Government Mental Health Centre in Oolampara has raised serious concerns about patient care and infrastructure. Kerala High Court judges found prison-like conditions, staff shortages, and major operational gaps during their visit.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice Basant Balaji conducted the inspection. The case is titled The High Court Legal Aid Committee v. The State of Kerala & Ors.
Judges Raise Concerns Over Patient Conditions
The Bench inspected the 31-acre facility in Thiruvananthapuram.
During the visit, the judges found several patients locked inside small and poorly ventilated rooms. Some patients paced inside their rooms for long periods. Others pleaded for release.
The Bench expressed deep concern over these conditions.
The judges stressed that modern psychiatric care must promote dignity and humane treatment. They also said that patients need access to nature and open spaces.
The Court said that patient care must follow current medical standards. These standards come under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017.
The Bench also rejected the continued use of outdated institutional practices.
The judges warned that prolonged confinement could affect patient recovery.
Severe Staff Shortages Affect Daily Care
The Court also identified a serious manpower crisis.
The centre currently has 127 attenders. However, the sanctioned strength stands at 158.
The Bench described attenders as the institution’s main support system. They handle daily patient care, hygiene, and basic needs.
However, staff shortages have created additional pressure.
The centre abolished 13 sanctioned cook posts. It also abolished its only dhobi post.
As a result, attenders now perform several additional duties. These include cooking and cleaning the premises.
The Court said the current staffing levels remain seriously inadequate.
Broken Walls Raise Security Concerns
The judges also examined the security arrangements across the sprawling campus.
Several sections of the boundary wall remain broken. Other sections lack proper fencing.
The Bench estimated that the facility needs 40 to 50 specialised security personnel.
Therefore, the Court directed the State Government to disclose the status of sanctioned security posts.
The Government must also present a plan to secure the entire boundary.
Essential Medicines Face Supply Shortages
The inspection also revealed shortages of essential medicines.
The centre reportedly lacked some basic physical health medicines, including antibiotics.
As a result, medical officers had to obtain medicines from other health institutions.
The Court highlighted the need for a reliable supply of both psychiatric and general medical medicines.
Infrastructure Remains in Poor Condition
The facility also faces major infrastructure problems.
Several heritage buildings have become structurally unsafe. The Public Works Department has declared some blocks unfit for use.
The internal roads also remain in poor condition.
Meanwhile, construction work has nearly stopped on a new male psychiatric ward.
Work on a halfway rehabilitation home has also stalled.
The Court directed the State to provide clear timelines for completing these projects.
Court Seeks Rehabilitation Plan for Long-Term Patients
The Bench also considered the situation of long-term patients.
Some patients remain at the centre even after doctors clear them for discharge.
In several cases, family members have abandoned them. Authorities have also been unable to trace some relatives.
Therefore, the Court directed the State to prepare a detailed rehabilitation and social reintegration plan.
The plan must explain how authorities will help eligible patients return to the community.
Court Orders Time-Bound Action Plan
The Mental Health Centre Inspection has led to a series of directions for the State Government.
The Court ordered the authorities to submit a time-bound action plan.
The plan must include:
- Immediate recruitment to fill vacant attender and security posts;
- Written reasons for abolishing the cook, dhobi, and driver posts;
- Timelines for completing pending construction projects;
- Plans to repair internal roads;
- Steps to restore buildings declared unfit by the PWD; and
- A system to ensure uninterrupted supplies of essential medicines.
The Kerala High Court has therefore placed the centre’s conditions under close judicial scrutiny.
The Court’s directions focus on patient dignity, staff strength, safety, infrastructure, and rehabilitation.
The case highlights the need to modernise mental healthcare institutions and replace outdated models of prolonged confinement with humane, recovery-focused care.
