Mysore/Mysuru: A 30-bed Emergency Care and Recovery Centre (ECRC) for the treatment and rehabilitation of homeless persons with mental illness was inaugurated by District Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa yesterday at the old Jayadeva Hospital building in K.R. Hospital premises.

The facility is set up under the District Mental Health Programme to provide care for destitute patients. The Centre will function under the supervision of District Health and Family Welfare Department, District Non-Communicable Diseases Unit and Department of Psychiatry at Mysore Medical College and Research Institute (MMC&RI), in collaboration with Aaladamara Foundation, Bengaluru.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, K.R. Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. H.P. Shobha said the ECRC will offer free treatment, care and rehabilitation services to homeless persons suffering from mental illness.

Six rooms and a hall adjacent to the Psychiatry wing of old Jayadeva building have been readied for the facility. Aaladamara Foundation will manage treatment and care, with Dr. Vinay serving as attending Physician.

Dy. Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy, DHO Dr. P.C. Kumaraswamy, District NCD Programme Officer and Nodal Officer Dr. B. Brinda, MMC&RI Dean and Director Dr. K.R. Dakshayani, K.R. Hospital Resident Medical Officer Dr. Nayaz Pasha, Foundation President Dr. Kishore and MMC&RI Chief Administrative Officer Mahesh were present.