Mental Health key to progress
News Kashmir Analysis
Mental health is foundation of stronger nations. We in the Country have seen several steps taken to improve Mental health, but still many challenges remain. In Valley of Kashmir the Jewel of crown of India we have seen Mental health of people overall not presenting much good picture. We as a country need to recognise the importance of Mental health and make our country mentally strong .
In a series of positive developments, recently,The Union Health Minister launched the logo of Tele-MANAS and inaugurated the new facilities in National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore namely Platinum Jubilee Auditorium and Academic facility, New Administrative Office complex at NIMHANS, Centre for Brain and Mind.
The Union Health Minister stated that “Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres have facilitated the integration of mental health services with primary health services as priority services for mental health, neurological disorders and substance use disorders. District level activities are organized by a dedicated district mental health intervention team stationed in the district hospital. Additionally, OPD, counselling, care and medical support for mental health issues are provided at Community Health Center and Primary Health Center level. They are being provided through 1.6 lakh AB-HWCs situated across the country. Mental health also features under the Prime Minister-Jan Arogya Yojana.”
Dr. Mandaviya further added “To improve coverage and access to mental health care, district level activities have been supported under the National Mental Health Program in 743 districts across all 36 States/UTs.” He highlighted that at the tertiary level, there are a total of 47 government mental health hospitals in the country, including three central mental health institutions at Bengaluru, Ranchi and Tejaspur. Many other central and state government hospitals have psychiatry departments. In addition, psychiatry departments have been established in the newly established All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
Still the expert pulse is India’s mental health crisis is alarming. According to data, approximately 10.6 per cent of India’s population lives with mental health conditions. Shockingly, between 76 per cent and 85 per cent of those in need of mental health care do not receive any services or support.
In the entire country, To ensure the delivery of high-quality mental healthcare, it is crucial to provide comprehensive and specialized training to mental health professionals.
One hopes with continued efforts mental health would vastly improve in India .
