Security should be strengthened at Peroorkada Mental Health Centre by installing CCTV cameras; Human Rights Commission issues directive

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Human Rights Commission has urged for strengthened security measures, including CCTV camera surveillance, at the Peroorkada Mental Health Center to prevent patients from escaping.

Judicial member K Baijunath directed the Health Department Director to investigate the matter and take appropriate action. The action was taken in a case registered suo motu by the Commission based on a newspaper report stating that 691 patients admitted for treatment at the Peroorkada Mental Health Center over the past 6 years are missing.

The Commission received a report from the Mental Health Center Superintendent. The report stated that the number of people who went missing in the last 6 years is 378 and 291 of them have returned home. The details of the remaining 87 people are being sought. According to the report, 204 of those who reached home were later admitted to the hospital for treatment at different times.