MANIPAL, Jan 10 (TOI): Hombelaku, the rehabilitation centre for the chronic psychiatrically ill persons, under Kasturba Medical College, Manipal was formally  inaugurated here on Thursday by Udupi businessman and philanthropist, G Shankar. While stressing the need for similar initiatives in other parts of the state, he praised the efforts of Manipal University. He also announced a grant of Rs five lakh for the centre.

The centre with 34-bedded facility, will provide the highest quality care to patients, said Dr PSVN Sharma, the head of the department of psychiatry. He gave a brief account of the centre and its objects. Dr Sharma said that the centre will not be like the other psychiatric centres treating patients with drugs, but will rehabilitate them so that they get back to their normal selves and start doing things the way they used to do before their illness.

Pro-chancellor of Manipal University Dr H S Ballal spoke about the public-university partnerships and assured the gathering of the continuing interest of the university in socially important projects. He also said that the university always chipped in with a matching amount if such a grant was given.

Chancellor of the university Dr Ramdas M Pai spoke of the magnanimity of G Shankar and others like Mohan Bhandarkar who have partnered Manipal University in important ventures for the service of society and assured the gathering of the continuing interest of Manipal University in such undertakings. Earlier, dean of KMC, Manipal Dr Shripathi Rao welcomed the gathering.