Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) authorities are planning a publicity drive to make residents aware of the youth clinic that was inaugurated in February amid much fanfare but failed to make any mark for itself.

The facility, called Yuva Clinic, was supposed to address issues related to adolescents and youths. The clinic — the first-of-its-kind in the state — was established and funded as part of the Centre’s Adolescent Reproductive and Sexual Health programme.

“The clinic was set up with a view to provide consultation on issues pertaining to adolescence and pre-maturity age and cater to youths between 10-24 years. We deal with sexual, mental and nutritional issues, apart from problems like alcoholism and drug addiction. The aim is to remove myths and misconceptions related to these issues,” said Dr Ranjeet Kumar Sinha, a senior doctor attached to the centre.

According to officials, number of patients visiting the clinic is abysmal. About 5-6 patients, who come for treatment of ailments related to adolescence and youth at the outpatient department of PMCH, are directed to the clinic every day. “Sometimes, there is not even one patient from outside. It is because not many parents or teenagers are aware of the facility. We are devising a publicity drive to advertise our centre. It will be done using various means of mass media,” said Sinha.

The clinic’s plan to organise workshops in various private and government schools of the city, too, has failed, except for covering four state-run schools in vicinity of PMCH.

“Many feel shy asking questions that are treated as taboo. They will be asked to drop their questions in a drop-in box anonymously. Experts will answer all queries. We want to organise workshops in all city schools. This could not be done in the past few months because of summer vacation. We are planning to begin the exercise afresh,” another expert attached to the clinic said.