The Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS) in Delhi has quietly undergone a remarkable shift over the past three years. Once burdened by staff shortages, long patient queues, and administrative stagnation, the hospital is now emerging as a more efficient and responsive center for mental healthcare. At the center of this evolution is a series of policy, personnel, and service reforms—not just ambitious on paper, but visible on the ground.

One of the most tangible changes has been the end of long early morning queues outside the OPD registration counters. Until recently, it was a common sight to see patients and their families lining up as early as 3 a.m., hoping to secure a spot for consultation.

Today, that scenario has changed dramatically. The digitization of the OPD system through platforms like ABHA and NextGen has allowed for a more transparent and streamlined registration process. With real-time scheduling and automated queues, the pressure on patients—and the system—has eased significantly.

The leadership under Prof. Rajinder Dhamija, who took over as Director in 2022, has been focused not just on treating mental health, but also on rebuilding institutional trust and accountability.

“Fixing corruption, improving staffing, and restoring confidence in public systems were our starting points,” Prof. Dhamija told Drug Today Medical Times. One of his first major reforms ensured that all outsourced staff were paid fairly, addressing a long-standing grievance.

Under his watch, faculty hiring went into “mission mode.” In just three years, the number of faculty members has doubled—now standing at 61. This expansion has supported the launch and growth of academic programs.

The DM Neurology course now offers 10 seats annually (up from 3), and MD Psychiatry has expanded to 12 seats from 8—both approved by the National Medical Commission for 2024. The MPhil in Clinical Psychology, which had been on hold, was revived in 2023 with 11 seats.

Several new programs have also taken root. An M.Sc. in Psychiatric Nursing began in October 2024 with 8 seats, while a Post-Basic Diploma in Psychiatric Nursing, launched in October 2023, admits 20 students each year. An M.Sc. in Geriatric Mental Health is currently in the pipeline, pending final approvals.

Beyond academic expansion, IHBAS has diversified its clinical offerings to meet rising mental health needs. New departments—Neuropalliative Care, Neurorehabilitation, Clinical Governance, Geriatric Mental Health, and Neuro-electrophysiology—have been established. These additions reflect a broader shift toward specialized, comprehensive care in mental health and neurology.

Outpatient services have also expanded meaningfully. Two new OPD clinics are now operational: the Perinatal Mental Health Clinic, aimed at supporting mental wellness during and after pregnancy, and an Emotional Wellness Clinic for adolescents and young adults dealing with stress, anxiety, and behavioral issues.

Emergency psychiatric services—often the first point of contact for patients in crisis—have been strengthened with better coordination and infrastructure. Indoor bed capacity has increased from 296 to 317, helping to reduce waiting times and overcrowding.

Administrative upgrades have also moved forward. In 2024, IHBAS implemented the New Pension Scheme, finally delivering on a long-pending promise to its employees. The hospital also received renewed NABH accreditation, and its Department of Pathology was certified by NABL under ISO 15189:2022 standards—reaffirming its commitment to quality care.

The patient experience, too, has seen improvements. A new real-time lab reporting system enables doctors to access test results instantly, making faster, more accurate decisions. A new waiting area for outpatients and expanded pharmacy and registration counters have helped reduce congestion.

To tackle sanitation complaints and vendor monopolies, housekeeping responsibilities were handed over to government agency ICSIL, replacing private contractors. The engineering division also underwent restructuring to improve maintenance response and transparency.

Research and governance have not been overlooked. Dormant internal committees—such as the Institutional Ethics Committee and Scientific Advisory Committee—have been reconstituted and are now active.

IHBAS has also launched an intra-mural funding program to support faculty research, and signed over 15 MoUs with national and international institutions. The institute is now recognized as a Centre of Excellence under the TeleMANAS program.

While many of these reforms are ongoing and not without challenges, they mark a shift in how public mental health institutions can function when governance, staffing, and service delivery are prioritized in tandem.

Prof. Dhamija sums up the vision this way: “We’re working toward a system that isn’t just about numbers or infrastructure, but about accessible, respectful, and timely care. For years, people lost time and dignity just waiting in line. That had to change—and we’re making sure it stays that way.”

Importantly, these changes have not gone unnoticed. In recognition of his contributions, Prof. Dhamija has been honoured twice by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Doctors’ Day—once at the Delhi Secretariat and again at a separate public event. These acknowledgments, while symbolic, reflect a broader appreciation of the practical improvements seen at IHBAS under his tenure.

As mental health needs continue to rise across India, the IHBAS model of practical reform, rather than flashy overhauls, offers a case study in what steady institutional progress can look like.