Revenue Minister and district in-charge R.V. Deshpande has promised more funds for strengthening the Dharwad-based Dharwad Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (DIMHANS).
Addressing a gathering after performing bhoomi puja for the construction of a new rehabhilitation centre and administration block at DIMHANS here on Tuesday, Mr. Deshpande said that the two-decade old institution which was playing a major role in extending healthcare facilities to people of the region required more funds and the government would provide financial help. Steps would be taken to provide hi-tech facilities at the institute, he said. The construction of the new blocks has been taken up with joint funding from the Union and State governments under the National Mental Health Programme.
Mr. Deshpande said that the ₹ 4.5-crore project would be completed within the stipulated time of 10 months.
He asked the contractors to ensure quality work and also complete the work within the allotted time-frame.
Neuro surgeons
Mentioning about the shortage of neuro surgeons at DIMHANS, the Minister said that shortly a meeting would be held in Bengaluru to address the issue.
This apart, steps would be taken to provide the required medical equipment for the institute, he said.
Minister for Municipal Administration C.S. Shivalli, Member of Parliament from Dharwad Pralhad Joshi, MLA Amrut Desai and others were present.
New block
The new block will have examination rooms, office, clinic, training centres with focus on making pots, candles, door mat, a bakery, cup-making room, file office and toilet blocks.
There will be a laboratory, a skill lab, an audio visual room, a sound proof room and a hall on the first floor. Officials said that water supply, sanitary works, approach road works and landscaping of the premises had also been included in the project.