New Delhi (NVI): Government is implementing District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) under National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) in 655 districts of the country for early detection, management and treatment of mental disorders and illnesses.
With an objective to complete the shortage of qualified mental health professionals in the country, Government, under NMHP is implementing Manpower Development Schemes for establishment of Centres of Excellence and strengthening and establishment of Post Graduate (PG) Departments in mental health specialties,” Minister of State of Health and Family Welfare Ashwini Kumar Choubey informed Rajya Sabha in a written reply.
Till date, support has been provided for establishment of 25 Centres of Excellence and strengthening and establishment of 47 Post Graduate (PG) Departments in mental health specialties in the country.
Tertiary level mental healthcare facilities are provided through dedicated Mental Health Institutions as well as Medical Colleges run by Central and State Governments.
The Government has also enacted the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, which came into force with effect from May 29, 2018. The Act aims at protection and promotion of the rights of persons with mental illness during the delivery of health care in institutions and in the community.
It also ensures health care, treatment and rehabilitation of persons with mental illness within a rights based framework to achieve the greatest public health good.
During 2018-19, the total budget allocation for Central Mental Health Institutions and NMHP was Rs. 599.76 crore, out of which a total of Rs. 545.65 cr have been spent.
To generate awareness among masses about mental illnesses Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities are an integral part of the NMHP.
At the District level, funds upto Rs. 4 lakh per annum are provided to each District under the DMHP under the Non-communicable Diseases flexi-pool of National Health Mission for IEC and awareness generation activities in the community, schools, workplaces, with community involvement.
-sb
