Social activist for better sytems to tackle mentally ill

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, June 06, 2015: Holding a press conference here, Social worker Vishu Shetty has demanded that district administration should come forward to make rehabilitation arrangements for mentally ill and destitute who roam the streets. The social worker added, who works with  rescue and rehabilitation of mentally ill and destitute, said although police department supports him in his venture, rehabilitation of the mentally challenged is a tough matter.

The mentally ill need to go to Dharwad or HD Kote in Mysuru for treatment, which needs additional financial resources and also lengthy official procedures and logistics. Lamenting over public attitude against mentally ill, destitute and street wanderers, he stressed for compassion towards them, as change in  approach would depress them and cause further damage.  Expressing concern over increasing number of destitute and mentally disabled in Udupi City limits, Shetty said and youth and middle aged are largely seen. He said often people from neighbouring areas abandon mentally disabled people in Udupi.

He said public do not tolerate the behaviour of these psychologically disturbed people and thrash them and injure them badly. Some even die.  The psychologically disturbed need physical treatment apart from mental treatment. He said the treatment for physical abnormalities is available in the city, however, for advanced cases, treatment needs to be at hospitals in Dharwad and HD Kote in Mysuru and so on.

He went on to say social welfare department, district administration and police department should take up the cause and set up hospital which comprises treatments, counseling centre and rehabilitation facilities. He said people who come out of their homes owing to differences and minor problems, could be brought back to normalcy with proper treatment and concern. He was critical of peoples attitude to move these unfortunates by train to far off areas and abandon them. He said they should be treated with concern.

Pointing out to a man in a bad state at a garage near by,  Activist Shetty said initially the man was reluctant to identify himself.   However, after treatment and care the man revealed his identity and it was possible to trace his father. The man aged about  25  absconded from Bengaluru, from his sister’s house. Such cases are a plenty and only understanding can change the situation.