1 hr ago

Karnataka Signs MoU to Expand Prisoner Mental Healthcare Services

Karnataka’s prison department has partnered with NIMHANS to help prisoners with their mental health.

The partnership is written in an agreement called an MoU.

Prisoners may receive check-ups, counselling, therapy and rehabilitation support.

Experts will work to notice mental health problems early.

Prison staff will learn how to recognise and respond to these problems.

Training will also cover suicide prevention, substance abuse and mental wellbeing.

Prisoners will be able to use Tele-MANAS for counselling by phone or other remote services.

The plan also encourages prisoners to stay in contact with their families because family support can help rehabilitation.

Key facts

Agreement: Memorandum of understanding between Karnataka’s prisons department and NIMHANS
Mental health services: Assessments, psychotherapy, counselling and rehabilitation support
Training topics: Suicide prevention, substance abuse control and mental wellbeing
Staff support: Prison personnel will be trained to identify and respond to mental health concerns
Research: NIMHANS professionals will undertake specialised projects to strengthen the central prison’s research wing
Telehealth: The initiative is expected to strengthen Tele-MANAS tele-counselling services in prisons
Family contact: The agreement will focus on communication and visits between prisoners and family members

thehansindia.com · 2 hrs ago