Department of Psychiatry

As the frequency of mental illnesses is increasing, the requirement of psychiatric services in every hospital in general and University hospitals like ours, in particular, has been a necessity. It is important not only for treating psychiatric illnesses but also for providing consultation-liaison services to other patients. The department was functioning since the establishment of the hospital. There was a regular outpatient service for psychiatric illness conducted by a visiting consultant psychiatrist earlier. Since 2010, we have had regular services from Psychiatrists. In 2016 November, in-patient services also started.

Regular outpatient service is provided in all week days (Sunday to Friday).

Separate in-patient facility started for mentally ill patients since Nov 2016. Psychiatry ward has capacity of 16 beds and 4 cabins.

The patients presenting with history of suicidal threats/ intentions/acts or those with substance intoxication/ withdrawal symptoms and those who are violent/ abusive are dealt with at emergency and admitted if required.

Academic Programs:
-Residency program ongoing since 2018
-Regular classes for MBBS, B.Sc. Nursing, BPT, and PCL Nursing are conducted by the department as per the
Kathmandu University curriculum.
-Research methodology classes are being conducted for the KU Postgraduate and Physiotherapy students

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES:
-Regular psychiatric evaluation of the mentally ill prisoners in the Dhulikhel District Prison has been operationalized since Nov 2016.

ONGOING ACTIVITIES:
-Patients are kept without caretakers in the inpatient ward

FUTURE PLAN:
-Start Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (CAP) services
-Construction of Kathmandu University Center for Mental Health (KUCMH) at Chaukot