The free psychiatric camp was organised on 21st of October 2009. For wider accessibility to the free psychiatric consultation in the camp; camp services was advertised in local newspapers and pamphlets were distributed and placed in public palaces. Next to the camp day, a newspaper published an eloquent, (though with certain factual inaccuracies) about us (Sanjay & Tina-see below). Nevertheless, that also helped to publicise the camp.

   We received extensive moral supports from some of the members of the Bihar Brains and my friends and family. The entire village persons extended their unconditional support with enormous enthusiasm to make that camp successful. We are particularly very thankful to Mr. Arvind Pandey who helped at all levels in organising this camp.

    The camp was inaugurated by the Mr. Arun Chandra Singh; District Magistrate (DM) of Sheikhpura in the presence of villagers and media persons. The DM was very supportive of the camp and provided a medical mobile unit with one doctor, nurse, and facility for some common laboratory tests. A daily newspaper “Aaj” published a spicy article about successful completion of the camp (see below).

 
    We saw a total of 142 patients coming from 5-6 nearby districts (we in action-see below). We saw patients with wide range of psychiatric disorders. We got a small contribution from one of my friend and could support medicine for 3 most deserving patients for 1 year, 4 months and 2 months respectively.



   We observed that there is great need of quality and affordable psychiatric services in the Bihar. Still many of the patients do not have any psychiatric care, which becomes a significant economic burden for the family. Though, this is a small step from our side to help and make people aware about mental disorders, Government of Bihar should actively look into this matter.



Acknowledgment:

Mr. Satyajit Singh, Manager Public Relations; Bihar Foundation, Government of Bihar for his active support and Dr Diwakar Tejaswi for his guidance.