Mental Health Review Board Inspects Deaddiction Centre | Coimbatore News - Times of India

Source: The Times of India

Coimbatore: Following the death of an inmate, the Mental Health Review Board on Monday inspected the deaddiction centre at Kovilpalayam in the city and found many violations at the centre.

Retired district judge JV Raj, the head of the board, and psychiatrist Dr KM Poornajith inspected the centre.

The board holds jurisdiction over Coimbatore, Tirupur, and the Nilgiris districts.

"We have identified several violations at the centre. Beds should be spaced at least 2 feet apart, which was not the case at the centre. Doctor visits should be recorded in the ledger. But no such records were maintained," an official from the board said.

"The inquiry is in initial stage. We aim to conclude it within three days. Once completed, we will submit the final report to the Tamil Nadu State Mental Health Authority in Chennai. Based on the report, action will be initiated against the deaddiction centre, including cancellation of its registration and imposition of fines," he added.

A psychologist and the warden of the deaddiction centre were among the five arrested on Saturday following the death of a 20-year-old inmate on Friday night.

The inmate had been gagged with clothes and duct tape to control his aggressiveness.

Of the 34 inmates undergoing treatment at the centre, 33 were sent back to their homes with relatives.

However, one inmate from Palakkad was admitted to Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH) as no relatives came forward to take him home.