Task Force aims to make Karnataka a 'model mental health state'

January 5, 2013

Mangalore, Jan 5: In an attempt to make Karnataka a 'model mental health state', the Karnataka State Mental Health Task Force has been set up by the state government.

Briefing media persons at the Deputy Commissioner's office in Mangalore on Saturday on the various steps planned to enhance the quality of treating mental illnesses, Dr. K A Ashok Pai, Chairman of the Task Force, said that a district unit of the Task Force would be set up in each district including Dakshina Kannada.

The Task Force is contemplating starting of schools for the residential care of mentally retarded children in each district with approximately 50 inmates, and a proposed fund of Rs.9 crore is likely to be set aside for the purpose in the next state budget, he said.

Similarly, the Task Force plans to start residential care and rehabilitation centre for chronically ill mentally disabled patients in each district with approximately 50 inmates at a proposed cost of Rs. 9 crore. Four de-addiction centres and four cerebral palsy treatment centres in four zones in the state have also been planned at an approximate cost of Rs. 4 crore, he informed.

Counseling would be provided to school teachers to treat and rehabilitate mentally disabled, spastics and people with multiple disabilities.

Mr. Pai emphasized on the need to create awareness of psychiatric and scientific treatment among the masses as there is widespread belief in superstitions and religious rituals among people when it comes to treating mentally ill patients, he said.

The Task Force has been formed keeping in mind the lack of resources available to treat mental illnesses in the state, Mr. Pai said. “As per universal guidelines, there is a need for one mental health professional for each 1,00,000 population which is not attainable in the present prevailing mental health scenario in India. At present there are around 250 psychiatrists, 200 clinical psychologists, and same number of psychiatric social workers in Karnataka many of whom have given up their trained discipline and opted for other career options. Many districts with an average populations of 15 lakhs do not have basic mental health care facilities. There are only about 250-300 in-patient beds collectively in all hospitals excluding NIMHANS and Dharwad Mental Hospital. Hardly 50 psychiatrists are trained annually in Karnataka most of whom choose to go abroad for better opportunities. Hence, the Task Force has been formed to reach out to the needy and provide affordable mental health services”, Mr. Pai said.

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Puttur's Healthcare Dream Cleared: State Finance Gives Nod for 300-Bed Hospital

News Network

December 2,2025

Puttur: The long-cherished dream of a government medical college in Puttur has moved a decisive step closer to reality, with the Karnataka State Finance Department granting its official approval for the construction of a new 300-bed hospital.

Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai announced the crucial development to reporters on Monday, confirming that the official communication from the finance department was issued on November 27. This 300-bed facility is intended to be the cornerstone for the establishment of the government medical college, a project announced in the state budget.

Fast-Track Implementation

The MLA outlined an aggressive timeline for the project:

• A Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the hospital is expected to be ready within 45 days.

• The tender process for the construction will be completed within two months.

Following the completion of the tender process, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is scheduled to lay the foundation stone for the project.

"Setting up a medical college in Puttur is a historical decision by the Congress government in Karnataka," Rai stated. The project has an estimated budget allocation of Rs 1,000 crore for the medical college.

Focus on Medical Education Department

The MLA highlighted a key strategic move: requesting the government to implement the hospital construction through the Medical Education Department instead of the Health and Family Welfare Department. This is intended to streamline the entire process of establishing the full medical college, ensuring the facilities—including labs, operation theatres, and other necessary infrastructure—adhere to the strict guidelines set by the Medical Council of India (MCI). The proposed site for the project is in Bannur.

Rai also took the opportunity to address political criticism, stating that the government has fulfilled its promise despite "apprehensions" and "mocking and criticising" from opposition parties who had failed to take similar initiatives when they were in power. "Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has kept his word," he added.

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Mangaluru NRI returning from Saudi Arabia arrested over Instagram post

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December 15,2025

Mangaluru police have arrested a 27-year-old NRI on his return from Saudi Arabia in connection with an Instagram post allegedly containing derogatory and provocative remarks about the Hindu religion, officials said on Monday.

The accused, Abdul Khader Nehad, a resident of Ulaibettu in Mangaluru, was working in Saudi Arabia when the post was uploaded, police said.

A suo motu case was registered at the Bajpe police station on October 11 after an allegedly offensive post circulated from the Instagram account ‘team_sdpi_2025’. Police said the content was flagged for being provocative and derogatory in nature.

During the investigation, technical analysis traced the Instagram post to Nehad, who was residing abroad at the time, a senior police officer said. Based on these findings, a Look Out Circular (LOC) was issued against him.

On December 14, Nehad arrived from Saudi Arabia at Calicut International Airport in Kerala, where he was taken into custody on arrival. Police said further investigation is underway.

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