Mental Hospital (Manasik Hospital)

Mental Hospital in Lagankhel, Lalitpur, Nepal:

Nestled in the heart of Lalitpur, the Mental Hospital (Manasik Hospital - मानसिक अस्पताल) in Lagankhel stands as a testament to Nepal's commitment to mental health care. With a rich history that dates back to the 1960s, this institution has been at the forefront of providing quality mental health services to the people of Nepal.

A Brief Overview:

• Origin: Mental health services in Nepal took root in 1961 with outpatient services at Bir Hospital.
• Pioneer: Dr. Bishnu Prasad Sharma, educated in the UK, was the trailblazer who initiated these services.
• Evolution: From a modest 5-bed inpatient unit in 1965 at Veer Hospital, the facility expanded its capacity to 12 beds by 1971.

Key Milestones in the Journey of Mental Health Care in Nepal:

• 1984: The Mental Health Unit was elevated to the Department of Mental Health.
• 1985: The department transitioned to a mental hospital, moving from the Naxal House to its current location in Lagankhel, starting with 25 beds.
• 2003: The bed capacity doubled, reaching 50.
• 2010: Introduction of the telephone hotline service on July 1 and the launch of the Community Mental Health Program in Dhading and Nuwakot in February.
• 2011: Resumption of Oral replacement therapy, which had initially begun in 1994 and was phased out in 2002.
• 2012: The inauguration of the Master's (MD) in Psychiatry program under the National Academy of Medical Sciences and the commencement of emergency services on November 16.
• 2014: The hospital added an ambulance service and introduced the EEG service.

Additional Services and Programs:

• The Department of Clinical Psychology was established in 2068 (BS).
• Extended outdoor service was initiated in 2068 Jestha (BS).

Vision:

To be a leading institution in Nepal, pioneering advancements in mental health care, research, and education, while fostering an environment free from stigma.

Mission:

The Mental Hospital in Lagankhel is committed to:

1. Policy Advocacy: Collaborating with the government to offer consultancy services for policy planning and monitoring of mental health programs.
2. Capacity Building: Enhancing human resource capabilities through specialized training in mental health domains.
3. Mental Health Literacy: Championing mental health awareness and actively working to eradicate associated stigmas.
4. Setting Standards: Developing expertise and establishing benchmarks for quality care.
5. Holistic Well-being: Aiming to uplift mental health and the overall quality of life for patients.
6. Evidence-based Practices: Promoting research-driven practices in mental health care.
7. National Hub: Aspiring to evolve the hospital into a national center for mental health and research, offering specialized psychiatry services such as child, de-addiction, geriatric, and forensic clinics. Furthermore, positioning the hospital as the coordinating institute for all mental health-related matters in Nepal.
8. Rehabilitation and De-addiction: Laying the groundwork for a rehabilitation center for the mentally challenged and a national center dedicated to de-addiction services.

Goal: To solidify the Mental Hospital's reputation as the “Centre of Excellence in Psychiatry and Mental Health” in Nepal, setting unparalleled standards in patient care, research, and education.

The Mental Hospital in Lagankhel, Lalitpur, Nepal, has been a beacon of hope and support for countless individuals battling mental health issues. With its comprehensive services, dedicated staff, and continuous evolution, it remains a pivotal institution in Nepal's healthcare landscape.