Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Sept 27: The director of National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, Dr Satish Chandra, met Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Sunday evening and discussed opening of a branch of the institute in the state.
During the discussions, Patnaik suggested that NIMHANS can take the requisite steps towards opening of a branch of the institute in Orissa. He also advised Chandra to open a help desk for Oriyas at NIMHANS, Bangalore.
“Had a meeting with Director, NIMHANs…suggested for starting a branch in Orissa…state will extend all support,” Patnaik tweeted after the meeting ended.
NIMHANS is a central government-funded autonomous institution and is regarded as an apex centre for mental healthcare and research in the country.
In July 2012, the state government had requested the Union health ministry to consider opening a centre of excellence on mental health in the state on the lines of NIMHANS, Bangalore.
Years later, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in May this year had also urged the Centre to approve a mental health institute in Cuttack on the lines of NIMHANS. After having a meeting with Union Health Minister Jagat Prasad Nadda in New Delhi, Patnaik had said the institute would cater to the needs mental health patients of the entire eastern region.
