Recognising the rising burden of mental health issues among villagers and farmers—driven by socioeconomic stress, agrarian uncertainty, isolation, and limited access to specialist care—a significant step toward strengthening community mental well-being is set to unfold at Jamsawali, Sauser (Madhya Pradesh). Responding to this pressing need, free psychiatric OPD services will soon commence at the Mental Health Centre of Gramin Adivasi Samaj Vikas Sansthan (GASVS), located within the premises of Chamatkarik Shree Hanuman Mandir Sansthan (Hanuman Lok), on fixed days.
The services will be delivered by experienced psychiatrists from Shalinitai Meghe Hospital and Research Centre (SMHRC), Wanadongri, Nagpur, a 1020-bedded teaching hospital that has, within just six years, earned distinct goodwill for providing comprehensive super-speciality care through a full-time, trained team of doctors, nurses, and paramedical personnel.
As a teaching hospital, SMHRC is known for ethical, quality-driven care at minimal cost where patients are not covered under government schemes. Its notable facilities include a 60-bedded ICU, Geriatric and Palliative Care Ward, Milk Bank, 26-bedded NICU, 11-operation-theatre complex, and a 30-bedded Emergency Medicine Department. On average, SMHRC records 175–190 admissions and conducts around 40 surgeries daily.
Under this novel collaboration, patients suffering from mental health disorders—particularly from rural, tribal, and farming communities—will receive free outpatient psychiatric consultations at the GASVS centre. A structured referral mechanism has been established for those requiring inpatient care at SMHRC, Nagpur, ensuring continuity, affordability, and quality treatment. Beyond clinical care, the initiative seeks to address stigma, promote early help-seeking, and improve overall mental well-being in underserved regions.
The collaboration has been approved by DMIHER(DU) management and formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and made possible through the instrumental efforts of Mr. Praful Vaidya and Dr. Satyam S. Gupta, under the guidance of Dr. Naresh Gill, Deputy Director (CS), and Dr. Anup Marar, Director (Off Campus), DMIHER (DU). Senior psychiatrists Dr. Abhijeet Faye and Dr. Pradeep Patil from the Department of Psychiatry, SMHRC, will play a pivotal role in delivering these services.
Founded in 1991, GASVS has a long-standing mission of holistic empowerment of marginalised tribal communities, with a focused commitment to disability and mental health care through its Mental Health Resource Centre. This initiative reflects the visionary leadership of Shri Shyamrao Dhawale, Director, GASVS, with dedicated support from Shri Ashish Pal, Project Manager – Mental Health, GASVS.
The collaboration has also received warm and crucial support from the Board of Trustees of Chamatkarik Shree Hanuman Mandir Sansthan (Hanuman Lok), including Shri Gopal Sharma (President), Shri Tikaram Karokar (Secretary), and Shri Ajay Dhawale (Committee Member).
Backed by SMHRC’s robust infrastructure, multi-super-specialty ecosystem, and a comprehensive Department of Psychiatry offering OPD, IPD, psychotherapy, and 24×7 emergency services, this initiative marks a meaningful and compassionate response to the mental health and well-being needs of villagers and farmers, bringing expert care closer to the community where it is needed the most.
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