The Regional Mental Hospital (RMH) in Pune's Yerawada has now started providing treatment for both mental illness and general health emergencies under one roof. Earlier, if there was any emergency case the patients were immediately referred to Sassoon General Hospital or Aundh District Hospital.

The hospital has now trained its existing staff including cleaning personnel, nursing staff and attendants to handle emergency medical situations. Moreover, on January 20, six oxygen-equipped beds, three in the male ward and three in the female ward have been installed to facilitate immediate medical intervention.

Dr Srinivas Kolod, Medical Superintendent, RMH, told The Free Press Journal, "The new arrangement will ensure that psychiatric patients receive urgent care within the hospital premises itself. Only in cases requiring specialised intervention will patients be transferred to Sassoon General Hospital. The hospital is committed to patient welfare and well-being. All the officers and staff are working together as a team to provide holistic care. From now on, psychiatric patients will receive immediate care for critical conditions without being referred to other hospitals."

Recently, Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar visited the RMH and reviewed the patient services. During this visit, certain shortcomings and deficiencies were observed. Accordingly, instructions were issued to conduct an immediate review and take corrective measures. He also announced plans to enhance infrastructure, develop advanced treatment facilities and establish a postgraduate institute at RMH to bring in specialised doctors and staff, improving mental healthcare across the board.