One of the top universities for neuroscience and mental health, the Institute of Human Behavior and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), operates in Delhi’s Dilshad Garden. In 1993, the authorities transformed the former Hospital for Mental Diseases (HMD), Shahdara, into IHBAS following orders from the Indian Supreme Court. This transformation marked a significant shift away from custodial care toward a comprehensive model focused on training, research, and treatment in mental health and related disciplines.
Historical Evolution
IHBAS traces its roots to colonial-era mad asylums, with HMD being one of the last. Subsequently, the Supreme Court intervened, urging reform and directing the Delhi Government to create IHBAS. In response, the government established IHBAS to promote research and offer specialized mental health training. Additionally, it aimed to provide advanced psychiatric care through the institute.
Clinical and Academic Excellence
IHBAS integrates clinical services with academic programs to provide mental health care in a multidisciplinary manner. Clinical psychology, neurochemistry, neuropathology, and psychiatric social work are among the departments that support the institute‘s super-specialty care in psychiatry, neurology, and behavioral sciences.
Academic programs offered by the University of Delhi include Ph.D. courses, M.Phil. programs in clinical psychology, DM programs in neurology, and MD programs in psychiatry.
Community Outreach and Tele-Mental Health Initiatives
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IHBAS launched programs to meet the growing demand for mental health services. Among these, the Tele-MANAS Program stands out as a key initiative. Specifically, it serves as a regional tele-mental health center in six states and territories. Through this program, patients have access to video consultations, e-prescriptions, and 24/7 counseling. In addition, IHBAS operates Mobile Mental Health Units (MMHUs) in underserved areas. These units, which include doctors, ASHAs, and Anganwadi workers, actively visit JJ clusters and slums to identify individuals in need of mental health care. Furthermore, the units provide transport and ensure appropriate treatment for those requiring assistance
Infrastructure and Facilities
IHBAS provides advanced facilities to support academic and clinical work. For instance, the emergency ward has ten beds and operates 24/7, treating acute neurological and mental health cases around the clock. Meanwhile, the Library and Information Center supports research and training efforts. It also collaborates with national and international organizations for knowledge exchange. Moreover, the center holds a large collection of books and research papers. In addition, modern labs support tests like drug monitoring, urine analysis, and blood work. To enhance patient comfort, individuals can choose between air-conditioned or non-air-conditioned rooms.
IHBAS has established ‘Saksham,’ a halfway home on its campus.
It recognizes the importance of transitional care for patients.
This facility supports treated patients not yet ready to rejoin society.
It provides a comfortable, homelike environment for recovery.
Residents receive care from dedicated medical staff.
They also join activities that build independence and social skills.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite its achievements, IHBAS faces major challenges, especially a lack of medical staff.
Only 25 of 103 professor positions are filled, affecting service quality.
The Delhi High Court stressed the urgent need to fix staffing problems.
This is essential to maintain the institute’s high standards.
IHBAS is launching a new OPD system to cut wait times and manage queues.
The institute is also upgrading facilities to handle more patients.
A new OPD building is being constructed to support this effort.
IHBAS blends clinical skill, academic excellence, and community work in mental health care.
It provides everything from acute care to rehabilitation for mental health patients.
Our approach addresses the complex needs of those with mental health conditions.
Challenges remain, but government support aims to improve the institute further.
Ongoing efforts will help IHBAS grow as a top neuroscience and mental health center.
