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Budget 2026 Boosts Mental Health: Ranchi's CIP Upgraded to Apex Institute

The Union Budget 2026-27 has announced the upgradation of Ranchi's Central Institute of Psychiatry (CIP) to a regional apex institution, significantly boosting mental health services in eastern India. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also announced the establishment of NIMHANS-2 to address the lack of a national-level mental health institution in north India. The 108-year-old CIP, which treats over 85,000 patients annually, is expected to expand its infrastructure, research, and specialized training programs. This elevation aims to strengthen inter-regional collaboration and reaffirm Ranchi's legacy as a premier mental healthcare hub.

Key Points: Budget Upgrades Ranchi's CIP as Regional Apex Mental Health Institute

  • CIP Ranchi gets apex status
  • NIMHANS-2 announced for north India
  • Aims to fill major healthcare gap
  • To enhance research and training
2 min read

Union Budget boosts mental healthcare, Ranchi's CIP to get apex institution status

Union Budget 2026-27 elevates Ranchi's Central Institute of Psychiatry to a regional apex institution, strengthening mental healthcare in eastern India.

"national mental health institutes in Ranchi and Assam's Tezpur would be upgraded as regional apex institutions - Nirmala Sitharaman"

Ranchi, Feb 1

The Union Budget has delivered a major boost to mental healthcare infrastructure in Jharkhand, with the Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi, set to be upgraded as a regional apex institution.

This is expected to significantly strengthen mental health services, research, and training in the eastern part of India.

Announcing key initiatives for the mental health sector in her Budget 2026=27 speech, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said national mental health institutes in Ranchi and Assam's Tezpur would be upgraded as regional apex institutions.

She also announced the establishment of NIMHANS-2 to cater to the long-felt need for a national-level mental health institution in north India.

The Finance Minister noted that the absence of a dedicated apex mental health institution in the north had been a major gap in the country's healthcare ecosystem, prompting the government to take this decision.

The upgradation of Ranchi's CIP is expected to enhance its national role, opening new avenues for infrastructure expansion, advanced research, specialised training programmes, and the introduction of modern treatment facilities.

The move is also likely to strengthen inter-regional collaboration in mental healthcare delivery.

Founded in 1918 during British rule, the Central Institute of Psychiatry is one of India's oldest and most prestigious mental health institutions. Originally known as the Ranchi European Lunatic Asylum, the institute has evolved over its 108-year history into a premier centre for comprehensive mental healthcare, research, and human resource development.

Spread across 211 acres, the CIP is internationally recognised for its open-hospital model, lush green campus, and patient-centric treatment approach.

The institute currently caters to over 85,000 patients annually, publishes more than 130 research papers, and trains a large number of mental health professionals every year.

The CIP also houses advanced facilities such as a state-of-the-art neuroimaging centre, a 3-Tesla fMRI unit, a brain stimulation laboratory, and a well-equipped medical library.

Its emphasis on sustainability, including the use of solar energy and preservation of green spaces, has earned it recognition as a 'green' institution.

With its elevation to a regional apex institution, the CIP is expected to regain a central position on India's mental health map, ushering in a new phase of growth and reaffirming Ranchi's legacy as a hub for mental healthcare in the country.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
As someone from Jharkhand, I'm proud to see Ranchi's historic institution getting this recognition. CIP has a great legacy. The upgrade should bring more doctors and better facilities to our region. Budget allocation for implementation is key now.
A
Aman W
Good move, but I hope this isn't just about buildings and titles. The real test is whether it reduces waiting times for patients and makes treatment affordable for the common man. We need more focus on community-based care, not just apex institutes.
S
Sarah B
The emphasis on research is crucial. With advanced facilities like the neuroimaging centre, India can contribute to global mental health science. Combining modern tech with CIP's patient-centric 'green' model sounds like a best-practice blueprint.
K
Karthik V
Finally addressing the gap in North India with NIMHANS-2 is a big deal. Traveling to Bengaluru for specialized care was a huge burden for families. This will save time, money, and stress. A much-needed infrastructure push.
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Nisha Z
It's heartening to see mental health in the budget speech. But we must also fight the social stigma. Awareness campaigns in regional languages are as important as new institutes. Let's hope this is a holistic approach.

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