Mental health policy
The Himalayan Times
12 April 2017
Mental
health policy
It
was not possible for me to remain silent when I learnt that the Ministry of
Health (MoH) has drafted new mental health policy “Govt drafts new mental
health policy” (THT, April 10, Page 2). It was encouraging to know that MoH has
finally realized its role to play in addressing mental health issues in line
with the new constitution. Also the people, who were involved in pursuing and
convincing MoH for new health policy and incorporating mental health in its
annual programme and budget, deserve sincere appreciation for their enormous
effort. I had the opportunity to serve the mentally ill for some time through an
NGO, involved in mental health programme for the last 25 years.
The
policy aims to create an environment in which mental health is valued and
promoted, mental disorders are prevented, and persons affected by these
disorders are able to exercise full range of human rights and access high-
quality, culturally appropriate health and social care. It has adopted five
policies in area of mental health to ensure easy availability and accessibility
of basic quality mental health services for all citizens, prepare necessary
human resources to deliver mental health and psycho-social service, protect the
fundamental human rights of the people with psycho-social disability and mental
illness, enhance public awareness to promote mental health, combat stigma
resulting from mental illness and promote and manage health information system
and research.
According
to the new constitution, all the citizens of Nepal have the right to remain
mentally sound and live a dignified live. However, it is estimated that, in
Nepal, about 20 percent of the total population suffer from some kind of mental
illnesses.
Rai Biren
Bangdel
Maharajgunj,
Kathmandu
