One of the top universities for neuroscience and mental health is the Institute of Human Behavior and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), which is situated in Delhi’s Dilshad Garden. IHBAS was founded in 1993 after the former Hospital for Mental Diseases (HMD), Shahdara, was transformed in response to orders from the Indian Supreme Court. This change represented a substantial departure from custodial care and a move toward a complete paradigm that prioritizes training, research, and treatment in mental health and related fields.
Historical Evolution
IHBAS has its roots in the chain of mad asylums that existed during the colonial era, with HMD being one of the last of its kind. The Supreme Court’s involvement, which acknowledged the need for change, resulted in the creation of IHBAS as a separate entity within the Delhi Government. This action was taken to support research, offer specialized training in mental health disciplines, and provide cutting-edge psychiatric care.
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
- IHBAS has started a number of programs in response to the increasing demand for easily accessible mental health services:Tele-MANAS Program: IHBAS is a regional coordinating center that manages tele-mental health services in six states and the Union Territories. These services include video consultations, e-prescriptions, and round-the-clock counseling. MMHUs, or mobile mental health units: IHBAS runs MMHUs with medical professionals, ASHAs, and Anganwadi workers to reach underprivileged communities in JJ clusters and slums. These facilities help identify, transport, and treat people in need of mental care.
Infrastructure and Facilities
IHBAS has state-of-the-art facilities to support its academic and clinical missions:Emergency Services: Ten beds in a 24-hour emergency ward handle acute neurological and mental problems.
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Library and Information Center: The library supports research and training by working with national and international organizations and has a vast collection of books and research papers.
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Labs: State-of-the-art labs support a range of studies, such as therapeutic drug monitoring, urine analysis, and blood tests.
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Hostel and Accommodation: To ensure patient comfort during treatment, both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned rooms are offered.
Rehabilitation and Patient-Centric Care
IHBAS has created ‘Saksham,’ a halfway home on campus, in recognition of the significance of this process. For patients who have received treatment but are not yet prepared to reintegrate into society, this facility offers a homelike setting. In addition to receiving treatment from committed medical personnel, residents participate in activities that foster independence and social skills.
Challenges and Future Directions
IHBAS nevertheless faces difficulties in spite of its successes, most notably a lack of medical personnel. Service delivery is impacted by reports that just 25 of the 103 professor jobs are filled. The Delhi High Court has responded by underscoring the necessity of resolving staffing concerns in order to uphold the institute’s standards.
IHBAS is putting in place a new outpatient department (OPD) system to improve patient experience by cutting wait times and managing lines better. To handle the growing patient load, infrastructure improvements are also being made, such as the construction of a new OPD building
Conclusion
IHBAS, which combines clinical competence, academic rigor, and community engagement, is a shining example of mental health treatment in India. From acute treatment to rehabilitation, our all-encompassing approach attends to the complex requirements of patients with mental health issues. Even though there are still obstacles to overcome, government assistance and continuing efforts are meant to strengthen IHBAS’s standing as a preeminent center for neuroscience and mental health.
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