Rehabilitation of long-stay patients in state mental hospitals: Role for social welfare sector

Abstract

Barriers to discharge long-stay patients with mental illness (PWMI) are complex and involve social factors. Recent legislations emphasize community living and creation of facilities by Government for PWMI without social support. The Honorable Supreme Court has dealt with the need for setting up rehabilitation homes for long-stay PWMI who do not require hospitalization. In such cases, nominated representative from social welfare sector needs to be involved in discharge planning. The social welfare sector needs to play a bigger role in the rehabilitation of long-stay PWMI.