St John's National Academy of Health Sciences plans to focus on pet therapy to treat psychosomatic and physiologically affected patients. In this connection, St. John's is now in the process of increasing the number of pets, including Emu and turkeys, at its dedicated facility in Bangalore.

The pet therapist team comprising of Dr M Mary Bai, environment consultant and retired joint director, Ministry of Environment, Forests, government of India and Anthony Paul, senior physiotherapist, St. John's are of the opinion that pets are known to have a physiological effect on humans.

The hospital commenced pet therapy seven years ago for the first time in the country, as a support treatment for psychiatric, mentally challenged patients, disabled, geriatrics, accident trauma, cancer, spinal chord injury, paediatric cases apart from those affected with stress and strain.

Pet therapy allow the patients to increase the endorphin levels in the body which provides a soothing effect, stimulates the immune system and improves resistance, Dr. Sunny Chunkapura, RMO, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences told Pharmabiz.

The hospital which spans over an area of 140 acres has set apart 2 acres for this project where around 50 animals and birds including deer, sambar, white mice, rabbits, fishes, parakeet, doves, ducks, dogs, guinea pig and peacocks are being reared. On an average everyday, there are over 75 patients from the psychiatric, paediatrics, physical medical rehabilitation, cardiology, cancer, geriatric in-patients who stroll or come in wheel chairs and stretchers with the assistance of doctors and paramedical staff for pet therapy. The treatment spans for an hour where patients are shown the animals. With ample research evidence proving that interaction with animals ensured faster relief, St. John's has been receiving enquiries from Mumbai and New Delhi about the efficacy and viability of the pet therapy project.

The Karnataka department of Forests, Wildlife Wing, CUPA (Compassion Unlimited Plus Action), Bangalore and Central provide the animals.

The animal-assisted therapy which comes under Eco-Psychology in Psychiatry specialization is gaining popularity globally particularly in US and Europe where pet therapy specialists are in demand. Since interactions with pets to have a positive impact in stress-induced hypertension and diabetes, Fr. Sebastian Ousepparampil, former administrator, St. John's, started pet therapy in the premises of St John's. Currently, the project is being pursued aggressively by Dr. Thomas Kalam, director, St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences.

He plans St. John's to co-ordinate with international pet therapy centres and keep abreast with prevailing trends in future. Plans are also underway for horticulture and hydrotherapy where patients can be relieved of depression, pain and stress amidst greenery and water bodies including fountains.