• Source:Jagran News Network

A significant step has been taken for mental health services in the Union Budget 2026-27. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced the establishment of NIMHANS-2 in the country, for which Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand and Tezpur in Assam have been selected. This decision is expected to provide a new direction for mental health treatment and research in Eastern and North-Eastern India.

The government believes that in light of the rising number of mental illness cases, there is a need for large, specialised institutions at the regional level. Ranchi already possesses a strong foundation in the mental health sector, so the establishment of NIMHANS-2 here will further strengthen this field nationally. The inclusion of Tezpur will also connect the north-eastern states to state-of-the-art mental health services.

Ranchi: A Major National Mental Health Hub

Ranchi has long been a prominent centre for mental health services. It is home to two historic institutions: the Central Institute of Psychiatry (CIP) and the Ranchi Institute of Neuro-Psychiatry and Allied Sciences (RINPAS). Both are located in the Kanke area and treat patients from all over the country.

Central Institute of Psychiatry (CIP): Established in 1918, it is counted among the largest psychiatric hospitals in Asia. Spread across 211 acres, the institution has a 643-bed capacity and operates on an open-hospital model. It also conducts training and research in psychiatry, clinical psychology and social work.

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RINPAS: The history of RINPAS dates back to the British era. This institution plays a vital role in mental health rehabilitation, community outreach, and education.

The presence of both institutions has earned Ranchi a special place on the national mental health map.

A Lifeline For The Poor: Affordable And Humane Treatment

Ranchi's CIP has proven to be a boon, particularly for patients from poor and middle-class backgrounds. The total cost for a patient admitted for up to two months, including treatment, medicine, food, and clothing, comes to just Rs 600. The doctor's consultation fee is also only Rs 10, making it one of the most accessible mental health institutions in the country.

Instead of confining patients to closed wards, the institute provides an open and humane environment. A 24-hour emergency service, an outpatient department (OPD), and a helpline are also available. Alongside medical treatment, emphasis is placed on the holistic rehabilitation of patients through activities such as psychotherapy, yoga and sports.

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National-Level Benefits For Jharkhand And Assam From NIMHANS-2

The establishment of NIMHANS-2 will enable both Ranchi and Tezpur to play a more robust role within the national mental health framework. This will not only improve the treatment of severe mental illnesses but also boost psychiatric education, research and the training of specialist doctors.

Patients from Eastern India, Bihar, Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and the north-eastern states will no longer need to travel long distances for better and more advanced treatment. Together, Ranchi and Tezpur will create a mental health services network that, in the coming years, will become a centre of relief and hope for hundreds of thousands of patients across the country.


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