KATHMANDU: As many as 393 inmates serving a jail term for various crimes at Nakkhu Jail have been found suffering from mental illness.

Out of the total 1547 inmates, 393 have shown some kind of mental illness, according to the jail authorities.

Information Officer at the jail, Dr. Narendra Pariyar shared deteriorating psychology on the inmates who have resulted in mental illness.

“Among those suffering the illness, 130 prisoners are taking a strong anti-depressant, while 263 take normal medicine for the problems,” he added.

A 15-bed hospital for the people of psychosocial problems and those with a disability has been set up in the prison premises. Primary treatment is provided to them here.

Dr. Pariyar said with the establishment of the hospital, the additional quota for doctors was being arranged.

“In case of thorough medical investigation, the inmates of Nakkhu Jail with mental illness are taken to Patan Hospital,” said Dr. Anant Prasad Adhikari, Information Officer at Patan Hospital.

The people with mental illness need additional care and love in the family and society.

The jail officials have been urged to create such an atmosphere for the people living with mental problems in the jail, he added.

As per the status of the patients, some of them were provided treatment with a weeklong admission in the hospital, according to Adhikari.

In a bid to assuage the mental stress, the inmates are provided the opportunity to study books and newspapers within the jail.

The jail is hosting inmates perpetrating 32 kinds of offenses ranging from drug smuggling to homicide.