NIMHANS, Karnataka prisons sign MoU to strengthen inmates’ mental healthcare

The Department of Prisons and Correctional Services, Karnataka, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, to strengthen mental health support and research among incarcerated individuals.

Under the collaboration, a multidisciplinary team of mental health professionals from NIMHANS will conceptualise and implement programmes aimed at addressing psychological and mental health concerns among inmates. The initiatives are also expected to strengthen the research wing of the Central Prison in Bengaluru.

The partnership will facilitate evidence-based psychological support, including psychometric assessments, psychotherapy, counselling and rehabilitative counselling for prisoners. Specialised workshops will also be conducted to promote psychological well-being in correctional facilities.

The MoU seeks to raise awareness and conduct sensitisation programmes on mental health, along with periodic batch-wise psychosocial training focusing on suicide prevention and the perils of substance use.

The collaboration will also seek to strengthen existing Tele-MANAS services and facilitate communication and visits between inmates and their families to improve social support and family connectedness.

Another key component is facilitating authorised research by PhD scholars of NIMHANS, subject to institutional, ethical, legal and administrative requirements.