NIMHANS-like institutes needed across country: Minister Sharan Prakash Patil
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Minister Sharan Prakash Patil on Saturday called for renewed efforts and innovation to tackle neurovascular diseases, infections and a widening range of mental health challenges.
Speaking at the 28th convocation of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) here, he acknowledged ongoing and emerging concerns, including a rise in psychiatric and psychological disorders.
Patil said the state government has proposed setting up NIMHANS-like institutes in Mysuru and Kalaburagi to strengthen regional access to specialised care.
"Not only in Karnataka, but NIMHANS-like institutions should be established across the country," the Medical Education Minister said.
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Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also attended the event virtually from New Delhi.
Announcing key infrastructure plans, Patil said land provided by the state government, along with approval from the Union Finance Ministry, will enable the construction of a new north campus at Kyalasanahalli, Bengaluru, to function as a polytrauma centre for augmenting critical care services.
He thanked the Finance Minister for sanctioning a new Outpatient Department (OPD) complex at NIMHANS.
He further highlighted the need to address urban mental health issues, maternal and child mental health concerns, teenage suicides, substance use disorders and geriatric mental health services.
Underscoring Karnataka’s role as a partner in neurological care, Patil said the state operates two Tele-MANAS cells at NIMHANS and Dharwad and is implementing the Karnataka Brain Health Initiative (Ka-BHI) with NIMHANS as the apex centre.
The Tele-MANAS (Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States) toll-free helpline numbers 14416 or 1-800-891-4416 offer multi-language support and have been pivotal in facilitating communication between callers and mental health professionals.
Launched by the government in October 2022 to enhance mental health service nationwide, the programme operates 51 Tele-MANAS cells across all states and Union territories.
Reassuring the institute and its alumni of continued support, Patil said the state government would remain open to discussion, collaboration and assistance to strengthen mental health and neurosciences in Karnataka and across the country.
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Ready to face no-confidence motion, says Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah
Hassan (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said that the Congress government led by him was ready to face the no-confidence motion if moved by the opposition during the legislature session from December 8.
With Deputy CM D K Shivakumar by his side, he reiterated that they would both abide by the high command's decision on the leadership issue.
"Let them (opposition) bring in a no-confidence motion or adjournment motion or any other motion. We are ready to face it. Ours is an open book, transparent government. We are ready to face anything," Siddaramaiah said in response to a question.
However, BJP state President B Y Vijayendra and Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R Ashoka, clarified that the party, along with the JD(S) has not discussed or decided anything so far regarding moving a no-confidence motion against the government.
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The winter session of the Karnataka legislature will begin in Belagavi, bordering Maharashtra, on December 8 and will go on till 19th of this month.
Not wanting to react to a question on the leadership issue, the CM said the Congress high command is very strong.
"D K Shivakumar and I will be committed to whatever the high command decides," he said.
Earlier in the day in Bengaluru, Shivakumar accompanied AICC Mallikarjun Kharge till airport from Vidhana Soudha, after paying tributes to B R Ambedkar on his 69th death anniversary, which had led to some speculation about possible discussion between the two on the leadership issue.
The power tussle within the ruling party had intensified amid speculation about a change in chief minister in the state, after the Congress government reached the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20.
However, both the CM and Deputy CM had recently held breakfast meetings at each others residences, on the instructions of the high command, which is seen as a move to pause the leadership tussle between the two and to signal Siddaramaiah's continuation as the CM for the time being, especially ahead of the Belagavi legislature session.
