This year marks 100 years of the Ranchi Institute of Neuro-Psychiatry & Allied Sciences (RINPAS), a name that resonates deeply with mental health care in India. From its humble beginnings as a small asylum to its present stature as a premier institute, RINPAS has been a beacon of compassion, treatment, and research. The Department of Posts has released a commemorative postage stamp to honour this remarkable journey.
The Story Behind RINPAS
The roots of RINPAS go back to 1795, when a Lunatic Asylum was set up in Munghyr. It later moved to Patna in 1821, then Namkum, and finally to Kanke, Ranchi in April 1925. Initially called the Indian Mental Hospital (IMH), it began with 110 male patients and 53 female patients. Over time, it became a central facility, treating patients from Patna, Berhampur (Odisha), and even Dacca (now Dhaka, Bangladesh).
In 1958, after independence, the hospital was renamed Ranchi Mansik Arogyashala (RMA) under the Bihar Government. In 1994, it became the Ranchi Institute of Neuro-Psychiatry & Allied Sciences (RINPAS). Today, it stands as a symbol of resilience, reform, and research in mental health.
RINPAS Today
RINPAS is not just a hospital. It is a lifeline. Each year, over 71,000 patients find care here. Its services include:
- Outpatient Clinics: Psychiatry, general health, eye, dental, physiotherapy.
- Specialty Services: Addiction counseling, stress and anxiety support, women’s health, child and adolescent guidance.
- Helplines: Toll-free numbers offering immediate help for people in distress.
- Community Outreach: Free clinics in rural and tribal areas.
- Suicide Prevention Cell: Dedicated 24×7 helpline for crisis intervention.
- Sakhi Centre: Round-the-clock support for women facing violence or abuse, with a team of police, legal, and counseling experts.
Research & Innovation
The institute has a strong academic culture. Faculty regularly publish in national and international journals. Some of the indigenous psychological testing tools created here are widely used across India.
One unique program is “Tarang”, which trains students as Certified Stress Managers. This reflects the institute’s focus not only on treatment but also on prevention and resilience.
Collector’s Note
For philatelists, this issue holds a unique charm. The commemorative stamp has a denomination of ₹5 and a total of 3,09,450 copies were printed. It was produced at the Security Printing Press, Hyderabad using the wet offset process, ensuring fine detailing and high-quality impressions. This makes the issue not just a tribute to RINPAS but also a collectible piece of India’s postal history.
The design, cancellation, and brochure credit goes to Ms. Gulistan, making this issue a neat addition for collectors of medical and institutional themes.
The stamp stands out because it does not only celebrate a centenary but also honours the cause of mental health — an area often underrepresented in Indian philately.
Significance
Mental health is no longer a fringe discussion. Institutions like RINPAS have carried the torch when awareness was scarce, and stigma was overwhelming. The release of this stamp is not only a philatelic tribute but also a social statement — recognizing that mental health deserves visibility, respect, and national honour.
Closing Notes
As we celebrate the centenary of RINPAS, the commemorative stamp becomes a reminder of India’s long journey in mental health care. For collectors, it is a valuable piece; for citizens, it is a call to acknowledge mental health as part of overall well-being.
💬 Have you collected other stamps on health and medical themes? Share your favourites in the comments!
