State Government proposes to set up 'Halfway Homes' for mentally cured persons: Chief Secretary

Himachal Government proposes to set up 'Halfway Homes' for mentally cured persons: Chief Secretary

                       

VIJYENDER SHARMA

Shimla------Chief Secretary Dr. Shrikant Baldi chaired the meeting to chalk out a road map for setting up rehabilitation homes for people who have recovered from mental illness and are still in hospitals. The meeting was organised by Social Justice and Empowerment (SJE) Department.

Dr. Baldi said that the State Government would fund the Non Governmental Organisations for setting up of rehabilitation homes for persons who have recovered from mental illness. He said that the State Government would fund for establishing 'Halfway Homes', less restrictive transitional living facilities, to ensure the well being of persons who have recovered from ailment.

The Social Justice and Empowerment department has proposed to set up atleast two Rehabilitation Homes in the State, he added.

Due to social stigma, the persons, who are fit to be discharged, are forced to live in different mental hospitals and institutes. He said that setting up of these homes would provide required healthy environment for such persons. 

Additional Chief Secretary Social Justice and Empowerment Nisha Singh ,Additional Chief Secretary Health R.D. Dhiman and other senior officers of SJE and Health were also present in the meeting.