Financial Commissioner, Health and Medical Education, Atal Dulloo today reviewed the progress on setting up of Halfway Homes and institutional arrangements for rehabilitation of mentally ill patients, discharged as inpatients from a mental hospital but not fully ready to live independently on their own or with the family.
The FC directed the officers to complete the Halfway Home being constructed in Srinagar within the stipulated timeframe.
It was informed in the meeting that the temporary half way homes in Srinagar and Jammu are functional.
The FC also directed the officers to see that all facilities are made available at the temporary halfway homes. He asked them to ensure that safe and healthy environment is provided to the inmates including proper heating, toilets and drinking water facility.
He directed the authorities from Jammu to identify suitable land for construction of Halfway Home and the process for transfer of land should be completed within a month.
It was informed in the meeting that construction of Halfway Home in Srinagar is going on and will be completed within the set deadline.
It was also informed that these steps are being taken on the directions of the Supreme Court.
The FC directed the Directors Social Welfare Jammu and Kashmir respectively to facilitate an exposure visit of the nodal officers to enable them cater to the needs of the patients in these half way homes.
The FC directed the officers to prepare a rehabilitation plan in consultation with the appointed counselors to explore the possibility of providing skill enhancement and physical activities to mentally challenged.
The FC was informed that the department is also in touch with reputed NGOs for a better rehabilitation plan for the patients.
The meeting was attended by Director Health Services, Jammu, Dr Renu Khajuria; Joint Director (Planning) H&ME, Madan Lal and other senior officers from Social Welfare department. Officers from Kashmir division attended the meeting through video conferencing.