National Mental Health Program
Introduction
India is facing an acute shortage of
psychiatrists. Of the 3,300 trained psychiatrists in the country, 3,000 are in
the four metros. However, India actually needs 32,000 psychiatrists. According
to the estimates Disability Adjusted Life Year (DALYs) loss due to mental
disorders are expected to represent 15% of the global burden of diseases by
2020.
The Government of India has launched
the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) in 1982, keeping in view the heavy burden of mental
illness in the community, and the absolute inadequacy of mental health care
infrastructure in the country to deal with it.
Aims
l . Prevention and treatment of
mental and neurological disorders and their associated disabilities.
2.Use of mental health technology to
improve general health services.
3.Application of mental health
principles in total national development to improve quality of life.
Objectives
l . To ensure availability and
accessibility of minimum mental health care for all in the foreseeable future,
particularly to the most vulnerable and underprivileged sections of population.
2.To encourage application of mental
health knowledge in general health care and in social development.
3.To promote community participation
in the mental health services development and to stimulate efforts towards
self-help in the community.
References:
l . Sreevani R. A Guide to Mental
Health And Psychiatric Nursing. 2nd ed. New Delhi: Jaypee
2.Lalitha K. Mental Health and
Psychiatric Nursing - An Indian Perspective.
I st ed. Bangalore.
3.Available from:
http://www.wbhealth.gov.in/download/MH%20Policy%20rewrite.pdf
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