The Thane Mental Hospital will soon have an occupational therapy centre to enable mentally ill persons to become financially independent. The centre is the first such project taken up by the hospital. At this centre,existing as well as other mentally ill persons will be guided to make incense sticks under the brand name of Manas. The finished products will be sold through NGOs and the profits will be distributed among the patients. There is a lot of social stigma towards mentally ill patients. The main purpose of this centre will be to empower the patients financially so that they become assets and not a burden on their families. The six-seven hours they spend here will give them a sense of self-esteem and dignity, said Dr Sanjay Kumavat,medical superintendent of the hospital. We will simultaneously monitor their medicines and food too.There will also be a pick-up and drop arrangement for them. Apart from incense sticks,the patients will be involved in making paper plates,saree borders,gift items and other handmade products under the guidance of around 20 volunteers. Various NGOs and the Rotary Club have come forward to help in distributing the finished products. The patients will be taught to make eco-friendly Ganesha idols that have become very popular over the past few years. The centre has been set up next to the hospital building and not inside so that people dont feel like theyre being admitted, said Kumavat. The day care centre will be functional from the second week of October during the World Mental Health week.
