Experiences of Psychiatric Consultation Service in Two Coalfield Hospitals of Bihar

The Central Institute of Psychiatry provides extension consultation services at two coalfield hospitals of Bihar, representing the intermediate and central level of health care delivery system. Analysis of data covering a period of one year, from September 1988 to August 1989, revealed significant differences in the utilization pattern of the two centres. The differences relate to the proportion of population observed, their demographic characteristics, diagnostic break-up, and follow-up pattern. The provision of psychiatric extension services at the intermediate level is recommended.