Introduction:
For effective implementation of the National Mental Health Program, the Government of Maharashtra Mental Health Institute was established on 18/03/1991. The institute is working under the Department of Medical Education and Medicines, Government of Maharashtra. The said institution is a leading institution of the government in the field of training, research and manpower development in the field of mental health. The Institute has been selected as a "Center of Excellence" in the field of Mental Health by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Currently the headquarters of the organization is in Sassoon Sarvopachar hospital premises in Pune and This institute is working jointly withthe department of psychiatry is B.D.G. Medical College and Sassoon Sarvopachar Hospital, Pune.
A variety of services are provided to institutionalized psychiatric patients. An average of 5000 new psychiatric patients and 50,000 older patients are treated in the outpatient department each year. Around 1300 inpatient psychiatric patients are provided comprehensive services through the institute every year. The organization provides services required for certification to mentally retarded and mentally handicapped persons. Day center services are provided through the Institute for Psychiatric Patients. It provides training to develop pre-professional and social skills.
To meet the shortage of trained manpower, various courses related to mental health are conducted through the institute recognized by the government and affiliated to Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nashik. Paramedical professionals (nurses, counsellors, psychiatric social workers) dealing with mental health are being trained through the institute.
Keeping in view the background of Covid-19, psychological helpline "Manasamvad" has been launched by the organization from 31/03/2020. In this, various types of research related to mental health are being conducted through the organization to resolve and guide the mental health related problems arising due to Covid-19.
A mental health complex has recently been set up by the organization on the site owned by the organization at MaujePashan and the organization is going to shift to the said complex in the near future.