The Thane mental hospital will soon be able to accommodate families of patients. The long-awaited ward at the hospital will see the light of the day at the end of this month, say health officials.u00a0The idea to construct this ward was floated in 2006.

Dr Sanjay Kumavat, member secretary, Maharashtra Mental Health Authority, and consultant to the hospital, said, "We will allow one family member and perhaps a small child, in case there is no guardian, to stay in the room with the patient."

He added, "Acute depression, chronic psychosis and even dementia can be managed if the family members are close to them," he added.

Kumavat is hopeful that the Public Works Department (PWD) will give a go-ahead to this project in a month.

"There have been several technical glitches that delayed the project. The PWD officials have assured that approvals will come within a month," said Kumavat.

The ward will house 30 patients and their relatives. But only patients whose treatment takes up to three months can avail of this facility. Kumavat added that the asylum was considering opening a separate pantry, which will cater to families of patients coming from outside Mumbai.

The beginning
The foundation stone for the project was laid on Feb 16, 2006. The hospital received a grant of Rs 2.94 crore from the Centre, as part of the National Mental Health programme under the 10th five-year plan.