The Kozhikode District Medical Officer (DMO) has informed the Kerala State Human Rights Commission that steps have been taken to train the staff at the Government Mental Health Centre, Kuthiravattom, in self-defence as per the directions of the District Police Chief. This follows reports of attacks on the staff by some of the inmates.

The commission had suo motu registered a case related to this based on media reports. The DMO, in a report to the commission, said that 20 posts of watchmen had been created at the mental health centre. However, since their daily wage was just ₹675 and the appointment was for 89 days, many people were reluctant to take up the job. Thereafter, it was decided to take them on a one-year contract. Ex-servicemen had been appointed to the post. A committee, involving the District Police Chief (Kozhikode City), Fire and Safety Officer, Superintendent, District Jail, and Assistant Executive Engineer, Public Works, had examined the safety aspects at the hospital, the report added.