VIMHANS (Vidyasagar Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences)

is a multi-speciality institute providing comprehensive facilities to patients from all over India as well as neighboring countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh, U.A.E., Kenya etc. Disciplines available include Mental Health, Neurosciences, Orthopedics and Spine, Rehabilitation Medicine and Child Development. The hospital has updated range of medical technology and in addition also has an active social outlook. VIMHANS was visited by 4,57,484 OPD patientsin which 32,839 were IPD patients From January 1999 to December 2008. With a 21 bedded I.C.U., the hospital is looked after by 45 consultants and a large number of support staff.

Inspiration and History

VIMHANS is a living legacy of Dr. Vidya Sagar, M.D[M.R.C. Psych.] 1910-1978 Father of Indian Psychiatry. He was Superintendent of the Amritsar Mental Hospital and then Professor of Psychiatry at Rohtak Medical College until has demise. During the period when psychiatric services were in relative infancy Dr. Vidya Sagar spent upto 18 hours a day with patients. Due to overflowing wards in the hospital, many a patient was accommodated at his residence with full support from his dedicated wife Mrs. Kaushalya Devi who also relieved him of all domestic responsibilities. Dr.Vidya Sagar was elected as President of Indian Psychiatry Association and spent a lifetime serving his chosen profession and patients.

The Beginning

A concerted effort by close family members and well wishers of Dr. Vidya Sagar led to formation of a society bearing the names of Dr. Vidya Sagar and Smt. Kaushalya Devi in August 1981. It was started with Rs. 40,000 left by Dr. Vidya Sagar for this purpose in his will and the hospital initiated its services in the fields of Psychaitry and Drug de-addiction with 20 beds. Since then the path has been long and tedious but also crowned with several achievements and accomplishments. Vimhans now has 110 beds, with assets of considerable value. From the original field of mental health, now the hospital is a superspeciality institute covering 5 major medical specialties and their allied disciplines with three outreach centers in different parts of North India.