Erwadi tragedy remains a stark reminder of the systemic lack of infrastructure and ignorance faced by persons with mental illnesses. It is crucial to address the deep-rooted stigma and taboo attached to mental illnesses and how these impact the lives and basic human rights of PwMI. At MHI, we stand in solidarity with communities that continue to face violence and discrimination while accessing health care system. #neverforget #livingwithmentalillness #mentalhealthsupport Correction: 2024 marks the 23rd anniversary of the Erwadi Tragedy.
Slide 1: White background, MHI logo at top right corner. At left, text: Today marks the 22nd anniversary of the Erwadi fire tragedy. Below, text: On 6th August, 2001, 28 inmates of a Mental Home in Erwadi, Tamil Nadu, lost their lives in a fire — unable to escape, since they were shackled to poles. In the background: A semi-transparent vector showing an old institutional building with a group of people in front of it.
Slide 3: White background, MHI logo at top right corner At left, text: Prisons & institutions continue to work as carceral systems in punishing those who do not conform. To confine and 'cure' is to perpetuate violence. In the background: A semi-transparent vector showing an old institutional building with a group of people in front of it.
Sunil Pahilajani
2mo
Case study may be shared with all relevant institutions to implement countermeasures to avoid any such tragedy
Anirudha Panda
2mo
Heartbreaking and important to remember. We must break the stigma around mental health and ensure access to proper care for all. #MentalHealthMatters
Slide 2: White background, MHI logo at top right corner At left, text: How much has changed since then? Below, text: In Jan 2023, the NHRC stated that inhuman and deplorable conditions in the 46 government mental health institutions in India, amount to the infringement of the human rights of mentally ill patients. In the background: A semi-transparent vector showing an old institutional building with a group of people in front of it.