Diploma programmes at Institute of Mental Health upgraded

“There were only eight courses that were sanctioned MD seats earlier. Now, all the 18 diploma courses have been upgraded to MD seats at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) from this academic session. The students who pursued the postgraduate diploma programmes at the institute had only limited options for placement. But now that the programmes have been made into full-fledged postgraduate degree courses, they can be placed in medical colleges,” said Dr Poorna Chandrika, director of the institute. Specialisation in paediatric psychiatry, neuro psychiatry and clinical psychology are among the diploma courses that have been upgraded, added Dr Poorna.

The consultant specialists will serve as psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, occupational therapists, recreational therapists, special education teacher, apart from psychiatric nurses, to help the mentally challenged patients.

The institute is also starting a diploma course for post basic diploma in psychiatry nursing, the seats of which are to be allocated by the selection committee of the Directorate of Medical Education. The course is for a duration of one year, with an annual intake of 10 students at the IMH. 

The selection of the candidates will be done by the selection committee through a single window system. Officials of the committee said that postings of staff members have also been done after the upgradation of the courses.