2023-24 Budget assurance for day-care facility stumbles in implementation
PANAJI
The State government’s commitment to prioritizing mental well-being alongside physical fitness is facing a setback.
The promised day-care center for persons with mental illness at the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour (IPHB) in Bambolim -- assured in the 2023-24 Budget -- is behind schedule.
Reliable sources have disclosed to The Goan that despite the completion of infrastructure, the commissioning of the day-care center might take another six months. The reason being that furniture and other required materials, along with the recruitment of a dedicated staff is pending.
“The infrastructure is ready, but we are waiting for furniture. A separate batch of staff is also required to run this center, although the process is ongoing,” said the source, familiar with the development.
In his Budget speech on March 29, 2023, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced an increase in allocation for mental health initiatives.
The funding was hiked from Rs 60.94 crores in 2022-23 to Rs 72 crore in 2023-24 while he highlighted his government’s commitment to focus on mental well-being.
“Mental wellness is just as important as physical fitness---We are in the process of starting the day care program in IPHB and it will be completed in October 2023. This project is for Yes self-improvement and self-reliance wherein yoga, pottery, carpentry, bakery, flower making, printing, handicrafts, embroidery, candle making, art and craft among other activities will be imparted...” read an extract of the year-old Budget speech by the CM.
While the implementation is awaited, sources revealed that the facility - once commissioned - will exclusively serve those with mental health challenges and also be compulsorily recommended by government consultants/ doctors.
The facility will accommodate two categories of patients - those who have been discharged and seek rehabilitation; and those currently admitted at IPHB.
“Even those mentally challenged/psychiatric patients, who are being taken care of by their respective families will be allowed, provided they are referred by government consultants,” the source added.
