The district task force meeting for setting up of ‘Half Way Home’ in West Garo Hills District for rehabilitation of persons living with mental illness was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Tura today.
Deputy Commissioner Ram Singh chaired the meeting and highlighted the functions of the District Level Task Force Committee for Half Way Home.
The Deputy Commissioner stated that the committee should identify a location for setting up of the home for rehabilitation and ensure that the infrastructure required are in place for running the centre. Recruitment of staff, coordination with different stakeholders and involving of experts for running the centre are some of the issues discussed during the meeting.
Earlier during the meeting, Member Secretary cum District Social Welfare Officer, Tura Hemaritha Ch Sangma informed the members that the home is meant for rehabilitation of those persons living with mental illness especially those who have been cured, do not need hospitalization and are homeless or not accepted by their families.
Further, she also mentioned that the Deputy Commissioner of the concerned district is the Chairperson of the committee while Superintendent of Police, District Medical and Health Officer of the concerned district, Psychiatrist which is to be recommended by Deputy Commissioner and two members from the Civil Society preferably who have relevant experience in dealing with issues related experience to mental health are the members of the said committee.
She also informed the committee members that a two-storey house has been identified at Robagre on the way to Doldegre and infrastructure arrangements required would be finalised after visiting the site by the committee members.
