History making calendar for 2006 from mental patientsHISTORIC: A group of mental patients at the mental hospital at Angoda in Sri Lanka has brought out a history making calendar for 2006, as it is the first time in the history of this State run medical institution that such a creative work has been done by a group of patients in the hospital's Occupational Therapy Unit. Four artistically drawn pictures by four patients, hospitalised for medical conditions ranging from schizophrenia to Bipola are included in this five page calendar.
Doctors attributed the credit for bringing out this calendar to the hospital Director Dr. Jeyan Mendis, who since he took over office in 2000 has brought in many changes towards improving patient care service with emphasis on occupational therapy and rehabilitation. The idea of putting out this calendar was brought out by him, and he made use of the World Mental Health Day (October 10) last year to initiate it by organising an art competition and an exhibition of work of the mental patients in the Occupational Therapy Department to mark the World Mental Health day. 500 pictures exhibitedIn all 500 pictures drawn by the patients had been exhibited at this event, and the chief guest for the occasion Dr. Jhon Mahony, WHO director on mental health, had selected four pictures as the best for the calendar. The objective of putting out this calendar was to remove from the public mind the stigma attached to mental patients, by showing them that some of the patients have talents and capabilities left with them yet which could be fostered and improved to make them return to society and play a useful part in social development, and be useful and productive citizens.
This, Dr. Mendis said, could be seen and understood by anybody who will take a look at this calendar and its work of art. He said he needed whole hearted support of the public and those in authority, and specially the media to achieve this objective. He said a few calendars are yet left with him which could be bought by those interested at Rs. 100 a copy. The money would go to the hospital's patient rehabilitation fund. Those who are making donations to the hospital would be given a free calendar as a token of appreciation. He said this being the first calendar to be published by the hospital's mental patients, it had historical value and worth, hence it was something to be preserved as its value rises with every passing year. Those interested in purchasing copies of this calendar could contact Dr. Mendis on 0777421329. Dr. Mendis intends to bring out a calendar annually and make it a much sought out calendar for the year by the public. |
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