Kozhikode: Dr P Krishna Kumar, who was the founding director of the Institute of Mental Health and Neuroscience (IMHANS), Kozhikode, passed away on Saturday morning following a cardiac arrest at his residence in Thondayad. He was 63.

Dr Krishna Kumar, a paediatric psychiatrist, was instrumental in making mental health care accessible to ordinary people and in transforming IMHANS into a centre of excellence. He began his career as a lecturer at the Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode.

The state government later adopted several programmes initiated by Dr Krishna Kumar to popularise mental health care.

The Community Mental Health Programme he conceptualised for northern Kerala evolved into the District Mental Health Programme under the Directorate of Health Services. Similarly, IMHANS’ Community Development Disability Project, launched under his leadership, was later taken over by the government and renamed the Anuyathra Project.

''We are all shocked by this devastating news. Dr Krishna Kumar’s efforts transformed the institute from a small space to a multi-floor building with 52 staff. Under his leadership, IMHANS became a centre of excellence. He was a kind-hearted human being who donated his entire salary to the institute during his extended service period,'' said a staff member of IMHANS.

''He was a doctor of ethics. IMHANS was his vision, and he worked tirelessly to make it a reality. Under his leadership, a project was also underway to make Kozhikode an elderly-friendly city,'' said Dr Venugopal, a long-time friend of Dr Krishna Kumar.

Dr Krishna Kumar is survived by his wife, Dr Geetha Govindaraj, who works with the School of Family Health in Kozhikode, and his son, Akshay, who is settled in the US. His cremation will be held at 9 am on Monday, following a public homage at IMHANS at 8 am.