Erragadda sees recovered patients abandoned by families
HYDERABAD: Stories of abandonment emerge from the discharge and cure ward at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) in Erragadda, where patients who have recovered from mental illness continue to stay due to family rejection.
In many cases, patients who complete treatment are not taken back by their families. Reasons include lack of caregivers and fear that the illness may recur. As a result, several patients are effectively left behind after being admitted.
A 35-year-old man from Peddapalli district, diagnosed with Bipolar Affective Disorder, was admitted on September 27, 2024. He became eligible for discharge on November 20, 2024, after completing treatment. However, his mother died during his stay, and family disputes followed. With no one willing to take him home, he continues to remain in the hospital.
No family support leaves recovered patients without options
In another case, a 38-year-old man from Nagaram in Nizamabad district, suffering from schizophrenia, was admitted on May 4, 2024. His treatment was completed on July 22, 2024. Despite showing improvement, he remains at the hospital as he is unmarried, his parents are deceased, and his siblings are unwilling to take responsibility.
Doctors continue care despite social stigma and neglect
At the IMH discharge and cure ward, nearly 90 patients who have recovered and are ready to return home are unable to leave due to rejection by family members and relatives. Doctors and staff continue to care for them, responding with a humanitarian approach despite the lack of family support.
