Kozhikode's IMHANS still without full-time director, months after chief's demise

The Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) in Kozhikode, a premier mental healthcare centre under the Health department in Kerala, continues to function without a full-time director. The post fell vacant following the death of longtime director P. Krishnakumar in January 2025.

IMHANS is an autonomous institution engaged in mental healthcare delivery, training, research, and policy development. According to sources, the previous Left Democratic Front government had initiated the process to fill the vacancy, and applications were invited from qualified persons under the Directorate of Medical Education and the Directorate of Health Services. However, the process could not be completed for various reasons. Even after a change of guard in the State government, the recruitment remains pending.

Higher officials in the department were not available for comments on the matter.

Following Dr. Krishnakumar's demise, K.G. Sajeeth Kumar, Principal of Government Medical College, Kozhikode, was given additional charge for around five months. Subsequently, V.P. Jithu, Head of the Department of Psychiatry, has been holding the responsibility.

Sources said on Thursday that the staff association at IMHANS has suggested that T.M. Shibu Kumar, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode, be appointed to the post. The association pointed out that Dr. Shibu Kumar is familiar with the institute's functioning, which could benefit the institution.

A full-time director is considered essential to formulate new schemes in the mental healthcare sector and spearhead research initiatives. Patients from nearly all districts in north Kerala rely on the institute for their mental healthcare needs. IMHANS provides outpatient services, runs an autism clinic, and implements community mental health programmes, child development services, and rehabilitation projects.

The institute also offers academic programmes, including M.Phil in Psychiatric Social Work (launched in 2014), M.Phil in Clinical Psychology (launched in 2017), and a post-basic diploma in psychiatric nursing (running since 2014). These courses were the first of their kind to be offered in the government sector in Kerala.

During Dr. Krishnakumar's tenure, the institute got its own building. Recognising its community projects, the Union government selected IMHANS to be elevated as a centre of excellence in mental health in its 11th Five-Year Plan.