HYDERABAD: The 45acre sprawling premises of the Institute of Mental Health in Erragadda, is supposed to provide a suitable space for rehabilitation of mentally ill patients, including convicts suffering from mental disorders. But a closer look reveals a glaring lack of security and poor infrastructure at the nearly 50year old hospital.In April, the National Humans Rights Commission directed the institution to address the problems, after four convicts serving lifeterms, escaped from IMH. But so far no action has been taken. There are just 18 security men to cover the convicts in three shifts.A look at the general wards and inwards shows that all walls are damaged, with windows and ventilators rusty and broken, leaving patients to the mercy of nature and giving convicts an opportunity to escape. "Three convicts had escaped in February as well. This is happening because we have no proper infrastructure and enough staff," said a senior psychiatrist at IMH. Other glaring security lapses include no compound wall for a huge area and dimlylit premises at night.Add to it the lack of hospital staff, where of the 305 sanctioned posts, only 239 have been filled, and the nightmare is complete. Jannu Saraiah (55) from Mahaboobnagar district, a convict who is admitted in male wardIII says, "We hardly have any security with all kinds of people moving around. Moreover, many have turned the compound into a playground. There is no surprise that patients are escaping from the hospital."However, the hospital staff sought to distance themselves from the issue. Dr V Pramod Kumar, superintendent, denied that patients were missing because of their negligence. "We are not responsible if the convicts escape. We are responsible only for patients who are being treated here. We cannot do anything if someone escapes," he said with a nonchalance.
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