The 166-year-old Dharwad Institute of Mental Health and Neurological Sciences (DIMHANS), which has remained neglected for a while, is set to get a makeover. The institute has also not had a regular director for a while. Karnataka Minister for Medical Education B Ramadas said here the government will soon appoint a regular director for the DIMHANS. Speaking to reporters after visiting the institute at the weekend, he said the government was taking steps to upgrade the 166 year-old institute which has been catering to the needs of people from North Karnataka, Maharastra, Andhra and Goa.
Ramadas said the main building of the Institute constructed in 1845 would be preserved as a heritage monument. He would write to the International Hertiage Centre at Mysore in this regard. Once the building is declared as a heritage monument assistance from the Central government to preserve and protect it would be available.
The minister said plan to upgrade the institute would be finalised at the meeting of the governing council scheduled to be held at Dharwad in August. He visited various wards, kitchen and drug stores in the Institute and interacted with the patients.
Official faces action
Meanwhile, Ramadas told reporters he would recommend suspension of administrative officer S S Meti who has been charged with dereliction of duty. Meti is an officer from co-operative department on deputation to DIMHANS. The minister said he had received complaints against Meti that the latter was coming in the way of development works though funds were available. “I will write to his parent department,” Ramdas said.
