Centenary Year of Ranchi Institute of Neuro-Psychiatry and Allied Sciences (RINPAS)

The Ranchi Institute of Neuro-Psychiatry and Allied Sciences (RINPAS), situated in Kanke, Ranchi, Jharkhand, stands today as one of India’s premier institutions dedicated to mental health care, research, and rehabilitation. With a legacy spanning over two centuries, it has played a transformative role in shaping mental healthcare in India.

Historical Journey

The origins of this institution date back to 1795 with the establishment of a Lunatic Asylum at Munghyr. Over the years, it underwent several relocations—first to Patna Collegiate in 1821, then to Namkum, and finally to Kanke, Ranchi in April 1925. Renamed the Indian Mental Hospital (IMH), it began functioning with 110 male patients on 4 September 1925 and 53 female patients on 19 September 1925. Gradually, the institution evolved into a central treatment facility for patients from Patna, Berhampur (Odisha), and Dacca (now in Bangladesh).

Post-Independence, in 1958, the hospital was rebranded as Ranchi Mansik Arogyashala (RMA) under the Bihar State Government. It catered to patients across Eastern and North-Eastern India and emerged as a symbol of healthcare reform and resilience.

Growth into a Premier Institute

RMA evolved into RINPAS, reflecting its expanded mandate in mental health service, education, and research. Today, it stands as a multi-disciplinary mental health institute known for excellence in treatment, community outreach, and academic research.

In 2024–25 alone, RINPAS served more than 71,000 patients, highlighting its critical role in India’s mental health ecosystem.

Institutional Excellence & Community Outreach

RINPAS extends its services beyond clinical care, promoting accessibility, compassion, and inclusivity in mental health. Its free helplines offer immediate psychological support, while the Outpatient Department addresses psychiatric as well as general medical needs including eye, dental, and physiotherapy care. Specialized counseling is offered for addiction, stress, anxiety, women’s mental health, and child and adolescent wellness.

The Psychiatry Department provides comprehensive treatment for a wide spectrum of mental disorders, including substance-use conditions. Women in Jharkhand receive free mental healthcare, and the institute actively reaches tribal and rural communities through mental health camps and outreach programmes.

RINPAS also runs a network of free specialty clinics, such as:

• Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services
• Psychological Guidance Clinics
• Mental Retardation Clinic
• Counseling Centre
• Suicide Prevention Support Cell (with a dedicated helpline)
• Sakhi Centre – offering 24×7 support to women facing domestic violence, abuse, or trauma through a coordinated mechanism of police, legal experts, and counselors

In alignment with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, RINPAS has constituted medical boards for certification of learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, autism, and mental illnesses. It also operates Tele-Mental Health services and psychosocial advice clinics to ensure timely mental health support.

Education, Research & Innovation

RINPAS is recognized for its academic excellence and research contributions. Its faculty regularly publishes in national and international journals, while several indigenous psychological testing tools developed at RINPAS are widely adopted across India. The ongoing ‘Tarang’ project trains students to become Certified Stress Managers, reflecting the institute’s forward-looking approach to mental well-being.

A Tribute Through Philately

The Department of Posts proudly releases a Commemorative Postage Stamp marking 100 years of the Ranchi Institute of Neuro-Psychiatry and Allied Sciences, honouring its historical journey, humanitarian service, and relentless commitment to advancing mental health care in India. The stamp stands as a national tribute to RINPAS and its invaluable role in fostering dignity, hope, and rehabilitation for those navigating mental health challenges.