Chennai: IMH conducts job fair for patients

CHENNAI: The Institute of Mental Health, Kilpauk, along with the National Career Services of the Ministry of Labour and Employment conducted a job fair for the in patients and out patients of the institute. Hospital on Tuesday confirmed that 47 inmates registered for jobs.
“We help people with disability and guide them to find a job. Since mental illness is also a disability, we took this initiative,” said D Krithiga, manager, talent placement, Model Career Centre, Confederation of Indian Industry.
“Since most people with mental illness may not be able to work for long hours and they do not get enough opportunities, we have tied up with companies that are ready to offer flexible jobs,” she said.
A hospital social worker said only patients who are physically fit and willing to work are selected for the registration.
“Patients who are already working within the ward and have interest in working outside are motivated to register,” she said.
The hospital said it will help the working patients in opening a bank account where their salaries will be transferred.
Once they begin to work, the hospital will discharge them from wards and place them in halfway homes within campus, from where they can go to work.
“We have plans to open a community home for working patients” she added.