The 1020-bedded multi-super-speciality Shalinitai Meghe Hospital & Research Centre, attached to Datta Meghe Medical College, Wanadongri, Nagpur, has consistently taken the lead in delivering patient-centric social and community services. From mobile health clinics, de-addiction centres, and Maha Arogya camps to various other outreach initiatives, the hospital has made a profound impact on the rural population of Central India by extending essential healthcare facilities beyond its premises.
Rural areas often lack adequate psychiatric care facilities, making it challenging for individuals living there to access the help they need.
In a significant development, the Civil Surgeon and District Health Officer, Nagpur, has permitted Shalinitai Meghe Hospital to expand its mental health services to the rural communities of Hingna Taluka. Under this program, mental health consultations and counseling support will be provided through Primary Health Centres. Services will be available at Raipur on the 1st Wednesday, Adegaon on the 2nd Wednesday, Takalghat on the 3rd Wednesday, and Kanholibara on the 3rd Friday of every month, between 9 am and 1 pm. This structured schedule is designed to ensure both accessibility and continuity of care.
Highlighting the need for this initiative, Dr. Naresh Gill, Deputy Director–Community Services at SMHRC, explained that mental health challenges are increasingly becoming prevalent in rural populations as well, fueled by growing exposure to social media, lifestyle changes, and various forms of substance addiction. He emphasized that such services are crucial for early detection, timely intervention, and long-term management of psychological and mental health conditions, which often go unnoticed in rural areas due to stigma and lack of awareness from seeking help.
The Taluka Health Officer, Hingna, also appealed to the public to actively utilize these services, stressing that mental health should be treated with the same seriousness as physical health. By bridging the treatment gap and making professional services available locally, this program aims to build a reliable channel of mental health support for rural communities.
Dr.Vasant Gawande, Chief Medical Superintendent- SMHRC mentioned that the services will be delivered by Dr. Apoorva Joshi from the Department of Psychiatry, under the leadership of Dr. P. Patil, Head of Psychiatry at Shalinitai Meghe Hospital. In addition to medical treatment for conditions such as anxiety, depression, suicidal tendencies and addiction-related problems, the program will also offer personal counseling and family counseling. These services will guide individuals and families in addressing emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges, thereby promoting holistic well-being.
Dr. Anup Marar, Director, DMIHER (Off Campus), highlighted that, this initiative is being hailed as a significant step toward improving the quality of life of rural citizens, who often struggle to access specialized mental healthcare due to distance, cost, and lack of facilities in their localities. By bringing such services to their doorstep, Shalinitai Meghe Hospital reaffirms its commitment to holistic and inclusive healthcare for all sections of society.
Shri.Sameer Meghe, MLA, Hingna stated that this mental health support program by SMHRC through PHCs will be a boon for the rural communities of Hingna Taluka, setting a strong example of how tertiary care institutions can extend their expertise to underserved areas.
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