In a major stride towards improving mental healthcare infrastructure in the city, St George’s Hospital in south Mumbai is preparing to inaugurate a fully equipped Psychiatry and Addiction Treatment Ward. This new facility is set to address the escalating need for accessible and affordable mental health and de-addiction services, particularly for underprivileged populations.

According to hospital authorities, the newly developed ward will have a total capacity of 30 beds, of which 20 beds will be dedicated exclusively to psychiatric care and the remaining 10 will be reserved for patients undergoing treatment for substance use disorders. The initiative is part of the nationwide Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan — a campaign launched by the Government of India to combat substance abuse and promote a drug-free society.

“Initially, 10 beds have been sanctioned under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan for starting the de-addiction treatment facility,” said a hospital official. “As demand increases, provisions are in place to expand the capacity and include more beds. This marks a significant milestone for the hospital, which hasn’t had a dedicated psychiatric unit since becoming independent from JJ Hospital.”