In a commendable effort to celebrate World Mental Health Day, Father Muller Medical College (FMMC) has inaugurated its newly renovated Psychiatric Day Care Center located in Ward 90, 1st Floor. This facility signifies a major step forward in the institution’s commitment to providing comprehensive mental health care, particularly for individuals grappling with severe and chronic mental illnesses.
The inauguration event commenced with a welcoming speech by Dr. Supriya Hegde Aroor, Head of the Department of Psychiatry. She underscored the department’s long-standing legacy and highlighted the critical importance of psychosocial rehabilitation. Dr. Aroor emphasized that the Day Care Center aims to empower patients, helping them regain a sense of purpose and actively engage in society.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was presided over by Director Rev. Fr. Richard Aloysius Coelho, joined by other dignitaries, including Rev. Fr. Ajith B Menezes (Administrator FMMC), Rev. Fr. Jeevan George Sequeira (Administrator FMMCH), Rev. Fr. Donald Nilesh Crasta (Assistant Administrator), Dr. Udaykumar (Medical Superintendent FMMCH), and Dr. Hilda Dsouza (Principal FMCOAHS). Following the ribbon-cutting, a special blessing of the center was conducted by Rev. Fr. Coelho and the management priests, symbolizing the center as a place of healing and hope.
Dr. Rashmi Appaji, the staff member in charge of the Day Care Center, elaborated on the center’s mission to provide structured rehabilitation services. The center caters to both inpatients and outpatients, operating from 9 AM to 4 PM on weekdays. It offers an array of services, including:
- Rehabilitation needs assessment
- Social skills training
- Cognitive remediation
- Vocational counseling
- Illness self-management strategies
Participants can also partake in art, recreational, and expressive activities, ensuring a holistic approach to recovery.
In his presidential address, Rev. Fr. Coelho reflected on the institution’s historical commitment to mental health care, noting that Father Muller is renowned for its psychiatric services throughout Karnataka. He acknowledged the persistent stigma surrounding mental health issues but reaffirmed the institution’s dedication to rehabilitation and restoring dignity to patients. Fr. Coelho also praised Dr. Supriya Hegde and the entire Psychiatry Department for their unwavering efforts to enhance the quality of life for their patients.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms. S. Malarmathi, Co-In charge of the Day Care Center, who expressed gratitude to the multidisciplinary team committed to supporting individuals on their mental wellness journey. The event was expertly emceed by Ms. Valerie Ann Lobo.
The Father Muller Psychiatric Day Care Center is dedicated to providing comprehensive rehabilitation services for individuals suffering from severe and chronic mental illnesses. Operating Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 4 PM, the center’s multidisciplinary team, comprising psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, social workers, and nurses, delivers personalized care designed to help individuals rebuild their lives.
With a holistic approach that includes key interventions such as Illness Self-Management Skills Training, Day Structuring, Social Skills Training, and Cognitive Remediation, the center also offers Vocational Counseling and Art & Recreational Activities. This supportive environment empowers individuals to regain independence, foster meaningful connections, and achieve personal fulfillment.
With a wide range of services tailored to empower individuals, the center stands as a beacon of hope for those on their recovery path, reinforcing the belief that, with the right care, anyone can overcome the challenges posed by mental illness and reclaim their lives.