T’puram: Health minister K Muraleedharan on Monday made a surprise visit to Govt Mental Health Centre at Peroorkada, popularly known as Oolampara, to assess the condition of the institution and review the progress of long-pending infrastructure projects. During the inspection, he interacted with hospital authorities and reviewed the status of patient care, infrastructure and staffing.Muraleedharan directed officials to complete two hospital buildings that have remained unfinished for the past 22 years, along with the internal road network within the hospital campus. He said completing the buildings would enable patients to be shifted to improved facilities, ensuring a more dignified and patient-friendly environment.The minister also sought an explanation for the delay in commencing construction of the internal roads despite the completion of the tender process. He spoke to the executive engineer of the public works department, following which the assistant executive engineer reached the hospital and briefed him on the status of the works.The official informed the minister that an agreement with the contractor for the road project would be signed within two weeks, after which construction would begin. Muraleedharan directed officials to expedite the administrative approvals required for completing the two long-pending buildings.The minister also instructed hospital authorities to urgently submit a proposal to govt for filling vacancies in key support services, including attendants, cooks, security personnel and laundry staff.Muraleedharan said govt would fully implement Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, to create a more patient-friendly environment at the institution. He assured that medicines would be made available regularly according to patient requirements and that the deteriorating condition of the existing buildings would be addressed.The minister further announced that rehabilitation programmes would be introduced for recovered patients to help them reintegrate into society. He said patients who cooperate with hospital staff would be given opportunities to spend time outside their wards and cells, allowing them to experience the open surroundings and natural environment.
