Why do patients who have been treated for mental illnesses continue to remain at institutions in India?
2 weeks, 3 days ago

Why do patients who have been treated for mental illnesses continue to remain at institutions in India?

The Hindu  

On a rainy September morning in Karjat, on the outskirts of Mumbai, 25 patients from the Regional Mental Hospital, Yerwada, arrived at the Shraddha Rehabilitation Centre, run by an NGO, to be reunited with their families. Hundreds of patients have been residents of government-run mental health institutions for years, even after having completed their treatment, in facilities in Maharashtra and across India, experts and activists say. Following Dr. Shetty’s PIL, the discharge of patients has taken off from the four mental health facilities in Maharashtra — in Thane, Pune, Ratnagiri, and Nagpur. Thane Mental Hospital deputy superintendent Prachi Chivate said, “From January to August this year, 218 patients were discharged, whereas in 2023, only 70 were discharged.” At present, said Swapnil Lele, director of the State Mental Health Authority, around 500 fit-to-go patients are still living in mental health facilities across Maharashtra. Discharging patients and reuniting them with family is possible, but it involves a lot of convincing of the administration, which makes it tedious,” said a member of the Thane Mental Health Review Board.

Health Family Community Healthcare Mumbai Chennai Maharashtra Bombay High Court Patients Families Facilities Mental Pune State Thane Lakshmi Patient Mha Tulsa Institutions Ngo Shetty Bina Mental Illnesses Rmh Banyan Smha Mental Health Facilities Imh Mhrb Halfway Homes Lukhi  community  health  dr  healthcare  continue  patient  institutions  facilities  remain  illnesses  mental  family  families  india  patients  treated

History of this topic

Putting patients at the centre of Tamil Nadu’s mental health landscape
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Putting patients at the centre of Tamil Nadu’s mental health landscape

The Hindu  

In October, two internal official communiqués on improving the 230-year-old Institute of Mental Health in Chennai unexpectedly set the cat among the pigeons. “We have a system in place to trace and reunite patients with their families.” Tamil Nadu has facilitated easy access to mental healthcare services in the districts through the District Mental Health Programme. “Tamil Nadu offers extensive …

High Court Allows Retroactive Application of Mental Health Act to Help Wife of Former MLA
2 months ago

High Court Allows Retroactive Application of Mental Health Act to Help Wife of Former MLA

Live Law  

The Kerala High Court has observed that the Mental Health Act, 2017, is beneficial legislation and can be applied retrospectively to extend benefits to all. The court held that the benefit of Section 115 of the Act, which decriminalizes the attempt to commit suicide, should be extended to all class of persons for whose benefit it was enacted. This means …

Tamil Nadu to release policy on rehab of mentally ill, homeless soon
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Tamil Nadu to release policy on rehab of mentally ill, homeless soon

New Indian Express  

CHENNAI: A policy on homeless and mentally ill people, aimed at strengthening their rescue and rehabilitation, is ready and will soon be released, as per Shilpa Prabhakar, director of National Health Mission, Tamil Nadu. Speaking at ‘Hope, Home and Health’, the fourth international conference on mental health, homelessness, and inclusive development organised by The Banyan and The Banyan Academy of …

Mental Health in India | How does India tackle mental health issues among school children?
1 year, 2 months ago

Mental Health in India | How does India tackle mental health issues among school children?

The Hindu  

As per the National Mental Health Survey conducted in 2015-16, the prevalence of mental disorders among children between ages 13-17 was 7.3% in both genders. As per a report from United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, any mental health programme in schools must include five pillars of support — an enabling learning environment, access to early intervention and mental health …

How accessible and affordable is mental healthcare in India
1 year, 2 months ago

How accessible and affordable is mental healthcare in India

The Hindu  

The story so far: Mental disorders are a major cause of disability worldwide, largely due to insufficient understanding, pervasive ignorance, and social stigma. Noting the increasing burden, a recent Standing Committee report tabled in Parliament highlighted that the high treatment gap for most illnesses was due to a lack of mental health professionals, poor infrastructure and stigma. The policy landscape …

India’s mental-health problem is obscured by stigma, dearth of data
1 year, 2 months ago

India’s mental-health problem is obscured by stigma, dearth of data

Live Mint  

The past decade has reshaped our perspective on diseases. Despite one in every seven Indians suffering from mental disorders, with onset seen as early as age 14, the discourse around mental health is insufficient. School-level interventions have had tremendous success in India and worldwide, which is why introducing channels that help children learn about the delicate subject of their mental …

It is Time to Reboot Mental Health Care - News18
1 year, 2 months ago

It is Time to Reboot Mental Health Care - News18

News 18  

Galloping Mental Illnesses In part I of the trilogy on the eve of World Mental Health Day, I began with the consensus estimate that 1 in 7 Indians are, at any point in time, suffering from one or the other mental illnesses with humungous personal, familial, social and national consequences and a growing economic cost to the economy of India …

Academia Needs to Play Stronger Role in Raising Mental Health Awareness in India - News18
1 year, 2 months ago

Academia Needs to Play Stronger Role in Raising Mental Health Awareness in India - News18

News 18  

In the contemporary world, mental health is a subject that is often discussed and verily being talked about regardless of age and gender. Educational institutions can also inform and engage the staff, parents, and students about the value of mental health by organising workshops, seminars, and awareness campaigns. This also raises the urgent demand for establishing clear rules and policies …

World Mental Health Day | How does India address the burden of mental disorders?
1 year, 2 months ago

World Mental Health Day | How does India address the burden of mental disorders?

The Hindu  

The story so far: August marked the 41st anniversary of the National Mental Health Programme, a government initiative to address the burden of mental disorders. To achieve this objective, the Committee proposed to increase hospital beds and mental health institutions across the country, train human resources and establish a mental health department in the then-proposed All India Medical Institute. The …

Delhi LG nod to form state mental health body
1 year, 3 months ago

Delhi LG nod to form state mental health body

Hindustan Times  

Lieutenant governor VK Saxena on Monday approved the Delhi government’s proposal to set up a State Mental Health Authority, a body for the welfare of patients with mental illnesses. “.It has been brought on file that sections 45-46 of the Mental Health Care Act 2017 mandates establishment of a State Mental Health Authority by every state government within nine months …

Decoding The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017: An In-depth Analysis Of India's Mental Health Legislation
1 year, 4 months ago

Decoding The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017: An In-depth Analysis Of India's Mental Health Legislation

Live Law  

In the coeval times, the term “health” is not limited to the physical aspect of the body but also includes mental and spiritual well-being. It Right to Access Mental Healthcare: The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 is very proactive in ensuring access to mental healthcare facilities and services that are funded partially or completely by the governmental authorities. Advance Directives: The …

Why many Indians are reluctant to trust mental health advice
1 year, 6 months ago

Why many Indians are reluctant to trust mental health advice

The Hindu  

Published : Jun 01, 2023 15:54 IST - 5 MINS READ A student based in Mumbai sought therapy after coming out to her family as a lesbian. This is quite dangerous to the mental health of so many individuals, especially those coming from traditional or restrictive families.” Same-sex marriage debate in India As India’s top court debates same-sex marriage, the …

Mental Health: A glorified myth in India
1 year, 9 months ago

Mental Health: A glorified myth in India

India TV News  

Quitting is an option. According to a study in the Lancet Psychiatry, the average cost of mental health treatment in India can cost up to 30-40 per cent of an individual's monthly salary. According to a report by Lancet Commission on Global Mental Health and Sustainable Development, India is expected to suffer a loss of $1.03 trillion from 2012-2030. According …

Explained | Does India’s Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 protect patients’ rights and dignity in institutions?
1 year, 10 months ago

Explained | Does India’s Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 protect patients’ rights and dignity in institutions?

The Hindu  

The story so far: The National Human Rights Commission in a report flagged the “inhuman and deplorable” conditionof all 46 government-run mental healthcare institutions across the country; out of which three are run by the Union government and the remaining by State governments. The human rights body’s observations were made after visits to all operational government facilities, to assess the …

NHRC visits found all 46 mental institutes in India in ‘deplorable conditions’
1 year, 10 months ago

NHRC visits found all 46 mental institutes in India in ‘deplorable conditions’

The Hindu  

The National Human Rights Commission on Wednesday said all the 46 government mental healthcare institutions across the country were in deplorable condition, and depicted a very pathetic handling by different stakeholders. Special Rapporteurs of the Commission visited all the institutions across the country to assess the ground situation and the status of implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017. Taking …

Mental Health & Insurance Law: Locating The Flawed Discrimination
2 years, 2 months ago

Mental Health & Insurance Law: Locating The Flawed Discrimination

Live Law  

World Mental Health Day 2022 falls on 10 October. The court observed that Section 212, of the Mental Health Care Act, 2017 recognizes the right to equality and it prohibits any sort of discrimination related to mental illness thus insurance companies should make provisions for medical illness on the same basis as physical illness. The Mental Health Act of 1987, …

Patna HC Grants Last Opportunity To State Govt To File Reply On Implementation Of Provisions Of Mental Healthcare Act In Bihar
2 years, 8 months ago

Patna HC Grants Last Opportunity To State Govt To File Reply On Implementation Of Provisions Of Mental Healthcare Act In Bihar

Live Law  

The Patna High Court has granted 'one last opportunity' to the Bihar Government to file its response by April 7 over the implementation of the provisions of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 in the state.The Bench of Chief Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice S. Kumar has also asked the Union of India to file an affidavit and specify as to …

Bombay HC seeks Maha govt's response to PIL raising issues of patients abandoned in mental health institutes
2 years, 8 months ago

Bombay HC seeks Maha govt's response to PIL raising issues of patients abandoned in mental health institutes

India Today  

While stating that the issues of mental health raised in a Public Interest Litigation filed by a psychiatrist are related to the public at large, the bench of Justices S S Shinde and Sarang Kotwal on Wednesday directed the Maharashtra government to file their response. PETITION FOR MENTAL HEALTH CARE ACT The bench was hearing a petition filed by Dr …

Mental Health 'Least Priority' of Bihar Govt: HC Raps State for Delay in Forming Health Authority
2 years, 10 months ago

Mental Health 'Least Priority' of Bihar Govt: HC Raps State for Delay in Forming Health Authority

News 18  

The Patna High Court has said it appears that mental health of people and their treatment are the "least priority" of the Bihar government, and directed the chief secretary to take all steps to ensure establishment of State Mental Health Authority. "It appears that mental health of a person and treatment of those who are in need, more so during …

"Mental Health Least Priority Of Bihar Govt": Patna High Court Directs Establishment Of 'State Mental Health Authority'
2 years, 10 months ago

"Mental Health Least Priority Of Bihar Govt": Patna High Court Directs Establishment Of 'State Mental Health Authority'

Live Law  

The Patna High Court has directed the Chief Secretary, Government of Bihar, to forthwith take all steps ensuring the establishment of the State Mental Health Authority as stipulated under Section-45 of the Mental Health Care Act, 2017.In a strongly worded order, the Bench of Chief Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice S. Kumar also observed that the mental health of a …

Mind the Gap: How NGOs Have Been Supporting the Fractured Indian Mental Health Infrastructure
3 years, 2 months ago

Mind the Gap: How NGOs Have Been Supporting the Fractured Indian Mental Health Infrastructure

News 18  

“Changing cities, beginning a new life triggered anxiety and panic attacks in me, the reasons were unknown until I took professional help and came to know how deep-rooted my thoughts and actions were,” said 25-year-old Ankita, a working woman, who went to New Delhi- based Sanjeevani Society for Mental Health — an NGO functioning since 1976, providing free counselling sessions. …

'Education, Communication, Conversation': This 26-Yr-Old is Changing Mental Health Space in Urban India
3 years, 2 months ago

'Education, Communication, Conversation': This 26-Yr-Old is Changing Mental Health Space in Urban India

News 18  

Millennials as a generation have always been known for welcoming cultural and societal changes, in layman’s language the “woke” generation. While today’s sedulous youth is busy carving their ways out in bustling cities and occupied lives, caring for their mental health was pushed on the back burner until the alarming Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020. There comes a moment in …

Jharkhand High Court Directs State To Constitute Review Boards Within Six Weeks & Appoint Non Official Members To State Mental Health Authority
3 years, 3 months ago

Jharkhand High Court Directs State To Constitute Review Boards Within Six Weeks & Appoint Non Official Members To State Mental Health Authority

Live Law  

The Jharkhand High Court has directed the state to constitute the Mental Health Review Boards under Section 46 and 73 of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 within six weeks. While disposing off the matter, a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Ravi Ranjan and Justice Sujit Narayan Prakash also directed the government to appoint non-official members to the State Mental Health. …

Provide Solace To The Mentally Ill Prisoners: Kerala High Court Directs State To Set Up Mental Health Unit In At Least One Prison
3 years, 3 months ago

Provide Solace To The Mentally Ill Prisoners: Kerala High Court Directs State To Set Up Mental Health Unit In At Least One Prison

Live Law  

Addressing the plight of mentally ill prisoners, the Kerala High Court recently directed the State to set up a mental health establishment in at least one prison for their well-being as per Section 103 of the Mental Healthcare Act. Referring to the said quote, the Single Judge remarked: ".the system and the society presume the voiceless mentally ill prisoners, embroiled …

Delhi HC seeks state govt's reply on plea concerning mental health of students in schools, colleges
3 years, 4 months ago

Delhi HC seeks state govt's reply on plea concerning mental health of students in schools, colleges

India TV News  

The Delhi High Court Monday sought response from the Delhi government on a petition concerning mental health of students in schools and colleges. Relying on the National Mental Health Survey of India 2015-16, Singh, who was represented by senior advocate Sonia Mathur, has contended that children and adolescents are vulnerable to mental disorders and the healthcare system does not prioritise …

Has the mental health landscape changed in India?
3 years, 5 months ago

Has the mental health landscape changed in India?

Live Mint  

In 2003, when I was doing my master’s in psychology, we had to prepare a case file with the case histories of 10 clients, along with a possible diagnosis. When I was telling a close friend, who was doing his master’s in physics, about this, he asked, “Tell me, is the identity of these clients just their diagnosis?” In that …

Mental Healthcare Act: Delhi HC Seeks Status Reports On Plea Alleging Lack Of Grievance Redressal Bodies
3 years, 8 months ago

Mental Healthcare Act: Delhi HC Seeks Status Reports On Plea Alleging Lack Of Grievance Redressal Bodies

Live Law  

A single judge bench of Justice Prathiba M Singh of the Delhi High Court has sought status reports on the current functioning of the Mental Health Review Board and the State Mental Health Authority on a plea by a 19-year old man alleging that there was no grievance redressal mechanism in Delhi under the Mental Health Care Act, 2017.The 19-year …

'India Most Depressed Country In The World': Madras High Court Seeks Response From Central Authorities Over Mental Health Facilities
4 years ago

'India Most Depressed Country In The World': Madras High Court Seeks Response From Central Authorities Over Mental Health Facilities

Live Law  

Taking note of the "inadequate treatment facilities" for mental health patients, the Madras High Court on Friday called upon the Central health authorities to answer the specific queries raised by the Court on this issue. Thus, while suggesting medical health reforms, including establishment of National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences in all zones of the Country, the Bench …

Boosting India’s mental health care apparatus
4 years, 2 months ago

Boosting India’s mental health care apparatus

Hindustan Times  

Mental health has had its Cinderella moment this year. Access to mental health services for all has to become a reality, we have to rethink the current traditional definition of mental health human resources and revamp the methodology for developing these Many myths about mental health remain in our collective thinking — those who face mental health problems are weak; …

The Politics of Mental Health and What We Often Ignore
4 years, 2 months ago

The Politics of Mental Health and What We Often Ignore

News 18  

When I think of well-being, I don’t think of it as something that is purely psychological or for that matter, individual. Mental Health is Tied to Structural Systems and Policies The Indian social fabric is built on the caste system. Barriers to accessing well-being resources Apart from structural issues, there are other major factors that make seeking mental healthcare and …

Implement Provisions Of Mental Healthcare Act In Letter And Spirit Within 6 Months : Manipur HC Directs State Government [Read Order]
4 years, 3 months ago

Implement Provisions Of Mental Healthcare Act In Letter And Spirit Within 6 Months : Manipur HC Directs State Government [Read Order]

Live Law  

The Manipur High Court on Tuesday directed the State Government to implement the provisions of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 and establish the necessary infrastructures expeditiously. Nobin Singh said, "We direct the State Government to implement the provisions of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 in letter and spirit preferably within a period of six months from the date of receipt …

Peace Of Mind: An Examination Of The Mental Healthcare Act Of 2017
4 years, 3 months ago

Peace Of Mind: An Examination Of The Mental Healthcare Act Of 2017

Live Law  

The times we go through has refocussed attention to the importance of maintaining good mental health and managing stress and anxiety properly. Some of the important definitions for our purpose are being reproduced below: "mental health establishment" means any health establishment, including Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy establishment, by whatever name called, either wholly or partly, meant …

India didn’t prioritize mental health before Covid-19. Now it’s paying the price
4 years, 3 months ago

India didn’t prioritize mental health before Covid-19. Now it’s paying the price

CNN  

New Delhi CNN — “My heartbeats are heavy. None of India’s 22 languages have words that mean “mental health” or “depression.” “People think that talking about your feelings makes you weak – there are a lot of misconceptions.”Baldev Singh, volunteer counselor While there are terms for sadness, grief or devastation in Urdu and other Indian languages, the specific terminology to …

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