The Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC), following its visit to the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour (IPHB) on September 9, has recommended several measures to improve facilities and care for patients. The commission noted that around 65 patients were admitted at the time of its visit, against an available capacity of about 190 beds, with expansion proposed to accommodate around 250 patients.
The GHRC recommended a dedicated ambulance service for psychiatric patients, noting that regular community or 108 ambulances generally do not transport them. It also called for permanent halfway homes and rehabilitation facilities for patients who remain at the institute after treatment because relatives or guardians do not take them back.
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Other recommendations include increasing the daily food allocation from Rs 120 to at least Rs 150 per patient, improving kitchen ventilation and cold storage, strengthening occupational therapy opportunities, and ensuring adequate manpower with the proposed expansion.
