● ● ● ● ● ● People at the registration counter should be given orientation and training to be civil, courteous and considerate with everyone seeking care, particularly the elderly; Entire information pertaining to personal history, family history, case history, nature of ailment etc., should be collected at the time of registration in a friendly and humane manner and family members/ relatives accompanying the patient should extend full cooperation to the process of collection; The drug dispensing unit should be located within the OPD premises for the benefit of outdoor patients; Many of the mentally ill persons brought to the OPD also suffer from other associated complications like appendicitis, cardio vascular and respiratory complications, complications relating to kidney, liver, pancreas, intestine, pelvis, prostate, urinary tract etc. These associated complications must receive due and timely attention. If facilities for investigation, diagnosis and treatment are not available in the concerned mental health hospital the patient should be referred to a general hospital for specialized treatment through a prior consultation and formal arrangement. The Medical Officer referring the case should maintain a proper liaison and coordination with the specialist in the general hospital in regard to progress in investigation, diagnosis and treatment; In case of critically ill patients the endeavour should be to save the life of the patient at any cost. This would involve maintaining a close and constant vigil over the condition of the patient from time to time; In case a decision is taken to admit a mentally ill patient in the hospital, certain rights accrue to patient in IPD. These include right to wholesome, sumptuous, balanced and nutritive food according to certain prescribed scales i.e. 2500 kilo calories for women and 3000 kilo calories for men; adequate quantity of water for washing, bathing, clean and potable water for drinking and cooking; personal hygiene including mechanized laundry and clean and hygienic kitchen, adequate number of clean toilets; books, journals, periodicals and newspapers in local language; recreation (television in the room, dance, drama, music, other cultural activities, games and sports); communication. The mentally ill persons at home and in hospitals have certain rights which they are particularly vulnerable to abuse and violation of their rights. If a protective mechanism is not in place, they can be susceptible to abuse by anyone in society including family members, caregivers, professionals, friends, fellow citizens and even law enforcing agencies. In a country like India, mental health care is not perceived as an important aspect of public health care. Hence, mental health legislation will play an important role in upholding the rights of mentally ill and ensuring them appropriate, Care and Treatment in Mental Health Institutions– Some Glimpses in the Recent Period 11