The Karnataka government has approved the establishment of care centres for mentally challenged persons in the districts of Chitradurga, Yadgir, Kolar, and Bidar, with a grant of ₹6 crore.

The centres will be established in collaboration with NGO Aaladamara Foundation, said an order issued by the Health Department on Friday. The Karnataka State Budget for 2025 had said that care centres for mentally ill persons would be established at district-level hospitals in collaboration with NGOs.

The order issued on Friday stated that similar centres will be established in the remaining 27 districts at district-level hospitals in collaboration with NGOs.

“Due to challenges in accessing nearby mental health services, thousands of mentally ill persons leave their homes and become homeless every year. Identifying mentally ill persons among the homeless and bringing them to a safe place is a key function of the system,” stated the order.

The order cited the Mental Health Care Act, 2017, which says that it is essential to initiate community-based, human rights-friendly care, support, assessment, and treatment for mentally ill individuals.

Published – June 07, 2025 01:12 am IST