Day care centre for mentally ill at IPHB soon

Panaji: The Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour (IPHB) at Bambolim has a day care centre for the rehabilitation of mentally ill persons, waiting to be commissioned soon.

The centre will provide rehabilitation for mentally ill people, a health official said.Long-stay patients who are recovering at IPHB will be trained in activities of daily living and occupational therapy. They will be referred to the centre for occupational therapy, which will operate from morning to evening during the week. Patients with chronic mental illnesses will first be assessed by the occupational therapist in charge to determine which areas they need to work in. They will then be trained in tailoring, origami, seashell and coconut shell work, candle making, carpentry, embroidery, crochet work, and other activities. This training will enable them to return home skilled and use their skills as a means of occupation.