Concern over spike in illegal psychiatric nursing homes

KLANG: Illegal psychiatric nursing homes are apparently sprouting in Selangor, causing concern for a mental health organisation.

Selangor Mental Health Association (SMHA) president Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj expressed alarm over the phenomenon, noting that while these centres aim to address the unmet needs of families seeking psychosocial support for their wards, many fail to meet the standards required by the relevant authorities.

“Some of these centres do not comply with the required practising standards. SMHA urges those wanting to register psychiatric nursing homes in the state to comply with the requirements set by the Health Ministry’s Private Medical Practice Control Section (CKAPS),” said Dr Mohanraj.

He also cautioned the public to be discerning when selecting care facilities for their loved ones, citing reports of abuse and mistreatment in some unregulated centres.

“SMHA is also concerned over allegations of human rights violations at many of these unregistered and improperly registered centres in Selangor,” said Dr Mohanraj.

In a notable case, a Bangladeshi cook at a psychiatric nursing home in Bukit Beruntung, Rawang, was charged in January last year with the murder of a resident, with the crime occurring in December 2022.

SMHA secretary-general Mohan Chitran said that currently, only one psychiatric nursing home in Selangor is officially registered, located in Petaling Jaya.

According to the regulations, psychiatric nursing homes must be registered under CKAPS, whereas most facilities offering psychiatric care are registered as general care homes with the Welfare Department.

“It is acceptable for care homes dealing with physical disabilities, children and the elderly to be registered under the Welfare Department, but facilities caring for individuals with mental illnesses must be under CKAPS,” explained Mohan.

This is because unlike other physical disabilities and illnesses, which can be handled by anyone capable of caring for another person, trained professionals in psychiatric care are the only ones who can look after people with mental disabilities.

Mohan also urged CKAPS to reconsider some of the stringent physical requirements for registering psychiatric nursing homes, such as specifications for room size, bathrooms, beds and even doors.

He argued that these requirements make it difficult and costly to establish legitimate facilities, leading to the proliferation of substandard alternatives.

“Most centres struggle to meet these physical requirements. Hopefully, the government will make the necessary adjustments to enable the establishment of more legitimate, professionally managed and affordable psychiatric nursing homes,” he said.