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