Vidyasagar Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences
VIMHANS is a tertiary healthcare institution in South Delhi. It is named after the legacy of Dr. Vidya Sagar, M.D 1910-1978, also known as the 'Father of Indian Psychiatry'. Acing his work inthe field of mental health, Dr. Vidya Sagar Dewan was the first psychiatrist in India who propagated de-institutionalisation of patients diagnosed with mental illnesses. The foundation and principles laid by him are the basis of mental health services at VIMHANS. The facility provides comprehensive care in the fields of Mental Health Illnesses, Physical Rehabilitation along with Academics, Research and Training. The focus areas at Vimhans are:
Rehabilitation: The hospital runs Mental Health and Neuro Rehabilitation Units for Children and Adults.
Mind Body Services in Specialties like: Hypnotherapy, Yoga, NLP, Dietitics and Nutrition
Allied Specialties- Orthopedics, Int Medicine, General & Minimal Invasive Surgery, etc.
Special emphasis on the care of the elderly: Ranging from Acute to Chronic and Home Care as well.
Training : The training programmes at Vimhans include :
VIMHANS is the only non- government institution in North India that runs an in-patient facility for persons with mental illness. The services are complemented with infrastructure, facilities, backup support system and medical equipment. Vimhans, as part of its social responsibility runs a rural health care centre in village Saidul Ajaib, Mehrauli, in Delhi. This centre was established in the year 1998. The hospital conducts free medical camps in various disciplines almost every month at the centre and in various slums and villages in the district. Being a tertiary care multi-specialty centre the hospital receives patients from all parts of India and Asian/ Middle Eastern Countries on regular basis for various neurological, rehabilitation and other problems.
New Delhi's first specialised multiple sclerosis treatment centre was inaugurated by the Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit at Vimhans in the presence of the patients, caregivers and doctors. The MS center at Vimhans would reportedly be North India's first dedicated MS-care centre where patients will get comprehensive management by a team of experts, including neurologists, psychologists, psychiatrists, physical and occupational therapists, urologists, and radiologists, all under the same roof.
Absence of Free Treatment for Poor Patients
In 2001, Times of India reported that Vimhans was in violation with an agreement by the Delhi Government. The agreement stipulated that the hospital has to provide free treatment to 70 percent of its admitted patients. Vimhans ignored this stipulation, and then stated it would provide free treatment to 40 percent of its admitted patients. The latter promise was neither followed through by the trust operating the hospital.
Medical Negligence of Female Patient
In 2005, Vimhans treated a 43-year-old female patient. The patient suffered a partial paralysis and was admitted to the hospital. During the treatment, the hospital staff mistakenly administered a high dose of steroids into the right arm of the patient. The arm immediately began swelling, the doctors advised that it wasn't dangerous. Eventually, the arm had to be amputated. She was transferred to AIIMS.
Treatment of Gitanjali Nagpal
In 2007, under a court order, Vimhans provided treatment to a well known model named Gitanjali Nagpal.
Treatment of Syd Kid (assumed name)
In 2016, for medical detoxification and supervision, S. Kid checked in voulantarily but, was delayed 48 hours as the beds were unavailable. The patient then, checked in 48 hours later. By that time, the withdrawal symptoms were gone but he was still taken to the hospital and stays there till date despite the symptoms going away before admission. The patient stays there till date as advised by the doctor.
