We can have numerous instances to cite where proper treatment deficiencies and lack of concerted efforts of proper care accentuated the problems of those suffering from mental health disorders. Depression, anxiety, abnormal behaviours, psychic disorder, talking with self etc are all symptoms and indications of mental health related problems in a common man’s parlance. Not only do people suffering from such problems need proper medical care and treatment but less of compassion and more of love, affection and care. Social ostracising and adopting primitive cruel ways of treatment or the ones prescribed by quacks mostly still prevalent in far flung areas of our countryside too need to be addressed side by side with implementation of a mental health care policy. There are, now, laws and statutory provisions to address mental health and related problems. Who would monitor, supervise and review facilities, care and treatment of mental health related issues is very important. In many states, a Mental Health Authority and Review Boards function in tandem to strictly implement Mental Health Care Act 2017.
With a view to bring uniformity across the country in this regard, Union Health Ministry has asked all the states to set up State Mental Health Authority and District Mental Health Review Board so that the purpose behind enacting legislation on the sensitive matter was accomplished. Not only are certain important actions mandated to be taken by the State Governments but integrating mental health services into general health care services at all levels is the main renovating idea behind establishing of Health Authorities in this respect.
We have been watching such patients being segregated and at times discriminated against in terms of health care as against patients suffering from other health problems. We have also been observing and at times voicing our concern about the condition of the patients complaining of mental health problems and admitted in hospitals, needing improvements not only in the treatment but care, hygiene and the quality of food provided. Para medical staff usually is found ill treating such patients who very often tend to adopt violent behavioural tendencies. Public grievances very often go un-redressed. It is heartening that District Mental Health Review Boards will address public grievances related to the provisions of the Health Care Act of 2017.
The letter addressed by the Union Ministry to Chief Secretaries and Principal Secretaries (Health) clearly states the respective State Governments to set up (i) State Mental Authority (ii) creation of State Mental Health Authorities’ Funds and (iii) setting up of Mental Health Review Boards. What is pertinent to note is that at primary, secondary and tertiary health care services and in all Health programmes run by the Government, mental health is to be integrated into general health services. That, prima facie, appears to be a major departure from the conventional approach which was replete with less of elasticity towards handling mental health related issues.
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