Mental Health facilities in Bihar have been questioned by the High Court at Patna. With a daily footfall of more than 400 individual the medical institutions fail to cater to the needs of the patients. A notice regarding the issue of infrastructure and standard care of patients was raised for state authorities and centres. Along with various government stakeholders Bihar Institute of Mental Health and Allied Sciences (BIMHAS) was also issued the notice. The details for the same were asked to submit in the court by the concerned departments of Mental Health.
The action was taken based on a report submitted on 17th February 2026 by the member secretary of the Bihar State Legal Services Authority. The report gave evidence on the current gap in mental health services for the public. It was highlighted that the service gap is not just in the Bihar State Institute of Mental Health and Allied Sciences (BIMHAS) but across the state of Bihar. The case hearing was conducted by Sangam Kumar Sahoo, Chief Justice and Harish Kumar, Justice, at the High Court of Patna.
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BIMHAS
Bihar State Institute of Mental Health and Allied Sciences (BIMHAS), located in Koelwar, Bhojpur, is the sole state-run institution dedicated to mental health.
Issues Reported
A visit to various health Institutions including BIMHAS, was made to survey the problems in mental health facilities. The following key points were reported in the court:
1. Just 180 Beds in BIMHAS
The inpatient capacity of BIMHAS is only 180 beds currently. Though 140 beds are under construction within the campus. The facility is highly inadequate for the huge population of the state itself. Also, patients come from nearby states, especially to BIMHAS, as it’s specialised in mental health care. It has been suggested that more institutions like BIMHAS are required across different regions to qualitatively and professionally cater to mental health issues.
2. Limited Capacity in Mental Illness Cured Home
Under the directive of the Supreme Court, the Social Welfare Department has established a Mental Illness Cured Home; it has insufficient capacity compared to the high prevalence of mental health issues. Currently, there are 50 beds for males and 50 for females. Highlighting this, an expansion of capacity is highly required. Many patients face a delay in social rehabilitation and hindrance in their reintegration into society.
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3. Lack of Facilities for People with Mental Illness who are homeless
In front of the court bench, it was underlined that there is a lack of availability of specialised accommodation for people with mental illness and homelessness. Being the most vulnerable population, they cannot be left without providing proper shelter and after recovery treatment. An observable gap was noticed between the social welfare department and other agencies. Due to a lack of coordination, the individuals, after full recovery, continue to stay in the hospital campus as there is insufficient network to rehabilitate them.
4. Concerns regarding Mining work
“Balu Ghat”, a sand mining site, is located in proximity to the hospital. Along with sand mining, storage of sand also takes place there itself. This creates unnecessary noise, dust, and pollution and a risk of accidents due to the constant movement of heavy trucks. Therefore, it results in disruption of the therapeutic environment for mental health patients and could exacerbate their mental health condition. A request to halt such activities has been proposed in the court.
Directive Guidelines
The following were points highlighted in the court that need to be implemented for upgrading the mental health services in the state of Bihar –
- Establishment of dedicated faculties for individuals who have mental illnesses and are homeless. All the district hospitals and mental health colleges in Bihar need to establish a ward for this.
- Comprehensive vocational and training programmes for stabilised or cured mental illness patients need to be put in place to empower and equip them with the necessary “employment skills”. This was highlighted as “urgent”.
- Various schemes and programmes need to be started under the government to actively encourage and promote the employment of cured or stabilised individuals with mental health illnesses.
- For patients travelling from long distances, such as different parts of the state or country, a rest house within the campus needs to be constructed. This was specifically suggested for BIMHAS. The accommodation should be for both patient and attendant.
- Relocation of mining activity is necessary to comply with safety and health regulations regarding patients’ well-being.
- A playground at BIMHAS has to be developed with exercise equipment, recreational space and a sports field. This would integrate outdoor activities into the rehabilitation programmes. Therefore, contributing to holistic treatment. It was suggested that the old building of the BIMHAS campus could be demolished for the park.
- A collaboration with the Forest Department could be done to initiate greenery and afforestation in the entire campus. This aligns with sustainable goals and reduces the impact of the urban heat effect.
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Answers were demanded
With the above described condition of mental health care a issue was given to the State’s principal secretary under the health department, secretary of the State Mental Health Authority, BIMHAS. The following questions were asked, and the respondents were asked to submit at the earliest –
- In accordance to Mental Health Review Boards Act 2017, any Mental Health Review Board has been constituted (Section 73).
- Are the functions and responsibilities of the board currently being performed as per section 82, 2017 Act?
- Admission and treatment facilities given for persons with mental illness at the Bihar Institute of Mental Health and Allied Sciences (BIMHAS)?
- Provisions by hospital authority, including free food supply for patients and attendants, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene, and medicines for patients?
- The duties are performed by police stations across the state with respect to the protection of persons with mental illness under section 100, and with respect to prisoners with mental illness under section 103, Act 2017.
The further matter will be discussed at the next hearing, which is on 26th March 2026 at Patna High Court.
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