Expressing satisfaction at the State government’s decision to rename mental health centres as “happiness and wellness centres”, the Kerala High Court observed that the (hitherto) stigmatisation of patients, their bystanders, and the centres as a whole was something one could not be oblivious to.

“Even the places where these centres are functioning are, very often, referred to rather pejoratively. We are sure that the change of name will catalyse the change that we want to see,” said a Division Bench of Justice Devan Ramachandran and Justice Basant Balaji, who recently visited the centres in Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, and Kozhikode. They added that the continued violation of human rights (of patients) would reduce the civilized community and nation to shame.

The Advocate General informed the court that the government was looking into infrastructure and staff vacancy issues at the centres with ‘full sincerity’. He said the government’s resolve aligned with the requisites of a welfare State, and that no stone would be unturned to ensure that these centres are made worthy of human existence and treatment within the shortest period of time, notwithstanding inadequate resources.

The Bench observed that some of the issues would require time as also large investment. However, when it comes to violation of human rights — happening unintentionally, but solely on account of lack of facilities — the situation is wholly different. “Such violations, when against even constitutional rights, require the State, as we have said in our earlier orders, to sit up and remedy immediately. We believe that four aspects will have to be addressed by the State forthwith — the appointment of sufficient numbers of attenders, cooks, dhobis, and security personnel; construction of compound walls, so as to make the perimeters of the centres secure; uninterrupted and continuous availability of necessary medicines, both for mental health as also for physical health as requisitioned by superintendents and doctors of the centres, and the availability of at least one vehicle, preferably an electric vehicle, at each centre for the transportation of food from kitchens and for other ancillary purpose.

By having sufficient number of personnel and with the perimeter secured, the patients can be allowed to be free in the open areas, without the fear of them being lost or even escaping. The premises of the centres are relatively large and can be transformed into gardens, the court said. The matter has been posted for hearing on September 15.