Shortage Of Health Professionals, Problem For mental Health Patients

December, New Delhi

More than 60 million people are suffering from severe and common mental disorders, but there is an acute shortage of qualified mental health professionals to treat these disorders.

The National Commission on Microeconomics and Health reported in 2005 that 10-20 million, which is 1-2 per cent of the population, suffered from severe mental disorders such as Schizophrenia and Bipolar disorder and around 50 million, which was five per cent of the population, suffered from common mental disorders such as depression and anxiety.

According to information given in Parliament, the government said it is implementing the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) under the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP).

Under the programme, the objective is to provide mental health services, including prevention, promotion and long-term continuing care at different levels of district healthcare delivery system.

The government, under the NMHP, is implementing manpower development schemes for establishment of Centres of Excellence and establishing 27 PG Departments in 11 institutes in mental health specialities in the country.

During the previous plan periods, the government has provided funds for upgradation of 88 psychiatric wings of government medical colleges and general hospitals and modernisation of 29 state-run mental hospitals in the country.

Besides, National trust under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, runs several schemes for the welfare of patients suffering from Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and multiple disabilities.