Psychiatric care: Citizens and ex- patients come to aid of needy

KOZHIKODE: A Gafoor, who runs a small shop at Pullikkal in Malappuram district never missed his Monday and Thursday visit to the Kuthiravattom mental health centre ever since he started rendering free cohesive rehabilitation service to the inmates.
Speaking to TOI Gafoor , head of the Pullikkal Pain and Palliative Care said, "It was my personal experience while working as volunteer of the community psychiatry service that made me pledge my services for the mentally unsound.Their agonies are incomparable and cannot be expressed in words. Through the continuous sessions, we have been trying to help them to recall old memories and improve their communicative and social skills,'' he said.
Around 85 people who have recovered from mental illness offer their services to the patients here and also help them avail various benefits of the government including pensions and other welfare schemes.
"Our effort along with the active support of a dedicated team of staff and doctors of the mental health centre here have helped to rehabilitate and send 65 inmates back to the community within 18 months .
Earlier, inmates who were left the used to return back after few weeks or days. But now rarely inmates return to the centre,'' he said adding that he has been doing regular follow up of around 15 inmates who left the centre and they all lead a normal life with the family.
Five panchayats such as Pullikkal, Chelambra, Pallikkal, portion of Tenjipalam, Cherukkavu fall under the jurisdictions of the Pullikkal pain and palliative care.
"In many cases, the feeling of isolation and detachment from own makes them depressed. The feeling of someone out there for me and to recognise my talent makes them recover fast,'' he said.
Gafoor said he has decided to devote more time to the mentally ill who are in dire need of affection and love.
"There is also plan to render free service at one of the Government run ASHA Bhavan and discussions have been going on in this regard,'' he said.