Ranchi: From its modest beginning as a colonial mental asylum in Monghyr (Munger) in Bihar in 1795, the Ranchi Institute of Neuro-Psychiatry and Allied Sciences (Rinpas) has grown into one of India’s leading institutions for mental healthcare, research and training. Located in Kanke in Ranchi, the institute will celebrate its centenary on September 4. Today, the institute shines as a beacon of hope for patients and families across eastern India, providing not just treatment, but also rehabilitation, education, and awareness. The journey of Rinpas traces its origins to the beginnings of psychiatry in the country. Initially established as the Lunatic Asylum in Monghyr, it was shifted to Patna in 1821. Eventually, on September 4, 1925, the institute was formally set up in Ranchi and was renamed the Indian Mental Hospital with captain J E Dhunjibhoy as its first medical superintendent.The hospital began its journey with 100 male and 80 female patients. Their numbers quickly swelled and reached to 1,262 by December that year. The largest mental health institute in eastern India by then, patients poured in from all parts of the region, including today’s Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland were treated here. In 1958, the institution was renamed Ranchi Mansik Arogyashala (RMA) and its bed capacity was augmented to 1,620. It was from this very institute that Dr L.P. Verma earned India’s first MD in Psychiatry in 1942. In 1994, a Supreme Court directive granted it autonomous status, and on January 10, 1998, it was rechristened as Rinpas. This marked the historic transition from custodial asylum-based care to a modern, multidisciplinary mental health institute. What sets Rinpas apart is its philosophy of inclusivity and compassion. The institute remains one of the very few in the country to provide completely free treatment. This has helped countless underprivileged families access mental health care. Rinpas has also expanded its reach through satellite clinics and community psychiatry programs. By training doctors and medical officers in districts, the institute ensures early identification of cases. Director of Rinpas Dr Amool Ranjan Singh, said, “If someone is diagnosed early, often only counselling or minimal medication is required. But if patients come late, the illness becomes chronic and difficult to manage.” The hospital provides medical assistance to 80,000 patients through its out-patient departments every year. For many patients, the hospital has provided them with a new lease of life. “Earlier, we did not know where to go. My brother was unwell for years, and people said it was due to evil spirits. Only when we came to Rinpas did we understand it was a medical issue. He is now recovering with regular treatment,” said Sita Devi, a patient’s sister from Buxar in Bihar.Beyond treatment, Rinpas has become a centre of higher education in behavioural sciences. Affiliated with Ranchi University and recognised by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and the Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI), it offers MD in Psychiatry, DNB in Psychiatry, MPhil and PhD programs in Clinical Psychology and Psychiatric Social Work. Since 2000, more than 100 PhD scholars have graduated from here. Students from across India enrol for specialised training, making Rinpas one of the few institutes in eastern India producing qualified mental health professionals. Research is another strong pillar. Studies on tribal mental health, addiction, suicide prevention, and stigma reduction have found national and international recognition. Collaborations with WHO and other institutions have strengthened its academic profile. Since the 1970s, Rinpas has pioneered community psychiatry, taking mental health care to rural and tribal areas. Mobile clinics, satellite centres, and prison visits ensure care reaches beyond hospital walls. Street plays, workshops in schools, and suicide prevention drives further spread awareness.Patients are trained in tailoring, carpentry, basket weaving, and stationery production. Products such as files, bedsheets, and handicrafts are procured by govt departments, including the High Court of Jharkhand. “When I make baskets, I feel useful again. Earlier I thought my life was over, but here I am learning new skills,” said Ramesh (name changed), a long-term patient. Vocational rehabilitation not only builds confidence but also reduces dependency, helping patients reintegrate into society. Currently, Rinpas houses around 650 inpatients, while OPD services continue to expand. While Rinpas has made remarkable strides, it faces a severe shortage of manpower. Out of more than 670 sanctioned posts, only 130 are filled on a regular basis, with the rest managed through outsourcing. Rinpas envisions expanding academic seats, introducing new specialised programs, and establishing advanced centres for neurorehabilitation, forensic psychiatry, and digital mental health. Telemental health services and distance learning programs are already being introduced, with plans to integrate mental health education into schools and colleges. The institute is also aligning with National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) guidelines to strengthen patient rights and ensure humane care. Additional chief secretary of health department, Ajoy Kumar Sinha, said, “On the occasion of RINPAS completing 100 years, renovation work is currently underway and is expected to be finished ahead of the foundation day celebrations. In addition, digital counselling services will soon be introduced, with a special focus on creating mental health awareness among school children.”
