PUNE: The State Cabinet on Monday gave a nod for the centres of excellence at mental hospitals and government medical colleges with a specialised focus on a curriculum about mental health. The State government has taken this decision to strengthen the human resource in the State under the National Mental Health schemes.
The State has also sanctioned funds worth Rs 5.74 crore for regional mental hospitals in Pune, Nagpur and Thane for the centre of excellence.
There will be four posts of MD psychiatrists, 16 posts for MPhil (Clinical Psychologists) and MPhil (Psychiatric social worker) each and 40 posts for Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing will be introduced at government medical colleges and regional mental hospitals.
For the total expenditure for this curriculum, 60 per cent will come from the Centre and 40 per cent from the State.
Scheme for leprosy patients
In another cabinet decision on Monday, the State government has approved aid up to Rs 4 lakh under the Chief Minister Awas Yojana for leprosy patients. As per 2011 census, 2.64 per cent of the total population is specially-abled. Out of this, about 8 per cent have leprosy. If the applicant fulfils all criteria, then they will be given aid of as much as Rs 4 lakh.
