More institutions like NIMHANS to be established : Nadda

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare J P Nadda while speaking at a function to mark the ‘World Health Day’, here on April 7, 2017, said as part of its renewed strategy for mental healthcare services, the government is strengthening Primary Health Centre (PHCs) and Community Health Cntre (CHCs). He said that extensive training is being provided to ASHAs and ANMs at PHCs and CHCs so that they can become the transformers, translators and change-makers within the community. The government is also aiding states in building their capacities.

Nadda stated that the focus should be on pluralism, cross references and sharing of various practices covering geriatric, palliative and rehabilitative care. He pointed that the aim of the ministry is to ensure implementation of the Mental Health Policy in letter and spirit, and to establish more institutions such as NIMHANS. Focus is also on working with civil society organizations engaged in mental healthcare, according to a PIB release.

The Health Minister informed that the ministry is undertaking universal health screening in 100 districts for hypertension, diabetes, breast, cervical and oral cancers. He further said that the ministry has launched free drugs and diagnostics initiative that will benefit poor people in accessing healthcare. “We will strengthen PHCs and around one lakh sub-centres will be transformed into wellness centers, 2,500 have already been selected for a pilot,”  Nadda said. It is indeed a happy coincidence that the passing of the Mental Healthcare Bill by Lok Sabha is so closely followed by the celebration of the World Health Day with its theme on Depression, he said.

Highlighting the most progressive features of the Bill, Nadda informed that the provision of advance directive, nominated representative, special clause for women and children related to admission, treatment, sanitation and personal hygiene; restriction on use of Electro-Convulsive Therapy and Psychosurgery are steps in the direction. “Decriminalization of suicide is another significant facet of the Bill, which will ensure proper management of severe stress as a precursor for suicide attempts,” Nadda added.

Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel said that according to the WHO estimate depression is the single largest contributor to global disability and it is one of the most common disorders globally. “Depression is multifactorial and every segment of society is affected by this disability, which is worrisome,” she said. She stressed on the importance of connecting, conversing and expressing as integral to beat depression.