The Institute of Mental Health, Theni with a capacity of 100 beds, has begun to admit in-patients. Attached to the Theni Medical College and Hospital, this institution is the second one in the state of Tamil Nadu that offers services exclusively for mental health. With 14 patients admitted over the last week, the main reason for starting in Theni is the dire need for hospital beds. The facility will also offer PG medical courses in psychiatry. Clinics for suicide prevention, de-addiction and memory will be in operation soon.

Earlier the only exclusive mental health hospital in TN was the Institute for Mental Health in Kilpauk, Chennai. With 1000 beds, this facility has individuals from all over the state coming for treatment. The mental health hospital in Theni was announced in 2010 and the out-patient ward was launched 6 months previously. Around 12 clients who are from regions around Theni will be transferred to the new hospital from other parts of the state. The involvement of their family in treatment can help speed up the healing process.

Severe mental illnesses affect at least 6.5% of the population in India according to the World Health Organization. With a ratio of only 1 psychiatrist for more than 13000 people, mental health services are desperately required in the country. In this light, the start of the hospital in Theni gives hope that increased and improved care will be available for individuals with mental illness.