As part of the government’s effort to improve mental health care for the masses, the Kerala government has launched a revival project of the Government Mental Health Centre (MHC) at Peroorkada in Thiruvananthapuram. This follows recent reports by the Kerala High Court regarding the poor condition of infrastructure, lack of manpower, and poor living conditions for the patients of the centre after visiting the centre. This project will help to convert one of the most renowned old psychiatric facilities of the state into a modern mental health care facility in tune with the Mental Health Care Act, 2017.
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A Response to Judicial Concern
This move is a consequence of serious observations made by the Kerala High Court regarding the “prison-like” nature of the mental health centre following personal inspection carried out by the judges themselves. Among others, the issues highlighted were those of overcrowding, old buildings, poor sanitation, and lack of proper therapeutic facilities to treat people who suffer from psychiatric disorders.
In response to such criticisms, the authorities have drawn up a road map that would not only include reconstructing the physical infrastructure but also ensure the quality of psychiatric services and rehabilitation programs.
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Key Features of the Revival Plan
According to the state government, the suggested reforms will include:
- The modernisation of the hospitals.
- Improved building of the inpatient and outpatient units.
- Improving the medical infrastructure and services related to patients’ care.
- Hiring new psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychiatric nurses.
- Sanitation, better nutrition, safety, and rehabilitation services.
- Increased focus on recovery-based and community-oriented mental health care instead of extended institutionalisation.
- Government officials have said that the idea is to provide such conditions that would foster recovery and integration into society instead of custody.
Building on Earlier Redevelopment Plans
The most recent initiative has been preceded by another proposal that was presented for the Peroorkada Mental Health Centre. There was a Detailed Project Report (DPR), valued at around ₹90 crores, that proposed the construction of new blocks for outpatients and inpatients, behavioural intensive care units, administrative blocks, new kitchen facilities, laundry units, roads and beautification of the campus. The design was to be on the lines of current psychiatric hospitals such as NIMHANS, Bengaluru, which sought to modernise the mental healthcare infrastructure of Kerala according to international standards. The current initiative seeks to expedite the implementation of these pending improvements.
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Moving Towards Rights-Based Mental Healthcare
According to experts in the field of mental health, there is an agreement that psychiatric establishments should be considered centres of recovery rather than isolation centres. The rejuvenation project can be viewed as a part of the general change in the Indian approach to mental health policy, where patients’ rights, dignity, and participation of the community play a key role. While Kerala was well known for its efficient health care system, mental hospitals faced challenges associated with old buildings and an increased number of patients.
Why the Reform Matters
There are still challenges in providing adequate mental healthcare services. These include a lack of adequately trained personnel, poor institutional capacities, and the stigma attached to mental illness in India. Upgrading state-managed facilities for treating patients with mental illnesses is seen as crucial in this context. The move by the Kerala government is also in tandem with the nationwide programs. These include the NMHP and Tele-MANAS projects.
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Looking Ahead
Provided that it is successful, the reform plan would see the Peroorkada Mental Health Centre turn into an ideal psychiatric facility. It would be characterised by a compassionate, scientifically backed, and recovery-oriented approach. The project involves building better infrastructure. It also reflects a strong commitment to treating mental health as an essential part of overall healthcare services.
References +
- Press Information Bureau. (2026, March 27). District Mental Health Programme has been sanctioned for implementation in 767 districts. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2245967
- Press Information Bureau. (2026, February 11). Advancing India’s mental healthcare and well-being. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2226319
- State Health Systems Resource Centre Kerala. (n.d.). Modernisation of selected areas of Mental Health Centre. https://shsrc.kerala.gov.in/index.php/collaboration-with-the australian-government-2
- The Times of India. (2026, July 26). State unveils revival plan for mental health centre. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/state-unveils-revival-plan for-mental-health-centre/articleshow/132644498.cms
- The Times of India. (2026, July 25). Conditions in Thiruvananthapuram mental health centre prison-like: Kerala HC. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/conditions in-thiruvananthapuram-mental-health-centre-prison-like-kerala hc/articleshow/132630065.cms
- The Times of India. (2025, August 13). DPR submitted for Peroorkada Mental Health Centre revamp. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/thiruvananthapuram/dpr submitted-for-peroorkada-mental-health-centre-revamp/articleshow/123337778.cms
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