The Regional Mental Hospital (RMH) at Yerawada in Pune has increased its Outpatient Department (OPD) timing to provide better care to patients. The OPD hours have been extended from 9am to 5pm. This change has been made to provide better healthcare to patients coming from rural areas. Earlier, the OPD operated from 9am to 2pm, said officials. The new OPD timings have been implemented from January 9.

The RMH's compromised hygiene and cleanliness conditions came to light when Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar visited the hospital on January 3. During his visit, he reviewed patient services. Several shortcomings and deficiencies were observed. Accordingly, instructions were issued to conduct an immediate review of all regional mental hospitals and take corrective measures.

Shrinivas Kolad, Acting Medical Superintendent, RMH Yerawada, said, "The RMH has increased the OPD timings so that people coming from rural areas can get treatment on the same day. We have deployed doctors accordingly. Our hospital has most patients coming from far rural villages, and therefore, we have made these changes. Also, we are making people aware of the changes so that more people can visit and get treatment."

After Abitkar's visit to RMH, the deputy directors were asked to review services such as outpatient services, inpatient services, cleanliness, food services, medication availability, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities, telemedicine services and others. Also, a five-member committee was appointed to conduct a probe into the alleged corruption at the hospital. The committee has been directed to conduct a thorough investigation and file a report within seven days, officials said.