Karnataka Prisons, NIMHANS Join Hands to Boost Inmate Mental Healthcare
Karnataka's prison department and NIMHANS sign an MoU to provide mental health services, training, and research for inmates.
The Karnataka Department of Prisons and Correctional Services has entered into a formal agreement with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, to improve mental health care for prisoners. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is designed to bring structured psychological support and research into the state's correctional system.
Under the partnership, a multidisciplinary team of mental health experts from NIMHANS will design and run programmes targeting the psychological well-being of inmates. These initiatives will include psychometric assessments, individual and group psychotherapy, counselling, and rehabilitative support. The collaboration also aims to bolster the research capabilities of the Central Prison in Bengaluru.
A key focus will be on awareness and sensitisation campaigns within prisons, along with periodic batch-wise psychosocial training. These sessions are intended to address critical issues such as suicide prevention and the risks associated with substance use.
The MoU also seeks to strengthen the existing Tele-MANAS services, which provide mental health support through telecommunication. Additionally, efforts will be made to improve communication and visits between inmates and their families, fostering social support and family ties that are vital for rehabilitation.
Another significant component is the facilitation of authorised research by PhD scholars from NIMHANS. Such research will be conducted only after meeting institutional, ethical, legal, and administrative requirements, ensuring that studies are carried out responsibly within the prison environment.
This collaboration marks a step forward in recognising and addressing the mental health needs of incarcerated individuals, with a focus on evidence-based care and long-term social reintegration.