All 68 model health institutions in Himachal to get psychiatrists, counsellors

Tribune News Service

Shimla, February 23

The state government will appoint psychiatrists and counsellors in all 68 model health institutions and ensure implementation of the Mental Health Policy, keeping in view the increasing number of people suffering from mental ailments.

6% suffer from mental health issues

• Fatehpur MLA Bhawani Singh Pathania raised the issue of creating awareness and providing the necessary help for tackling mental health issues, emerging as the major reason for suicides not only in India but also in the state
• Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil said studies had indicated that 6% population in the state was suffering from mental health issues
• Changing lifestyles, fiercely competitive life and rising drug addiction are major factors for rise in mental health issues

This was stated by Health and Welfare Minister Dhani Ram Shandil while replying to a private member resolution moved by Fatehpur MLA Bhawani Singh Pathania in the Vidhan Sabha today. Pathania raised the issue of creating awareness and providing the necessary help and guidance for tackling mental health issues, emerging as the major reason for suicides not only in India but also in Himachal.

Shandil said studies had indicated that 6 per cent population in the state was suffering from mental health issues. “Considering the rising cases of mental health issues, we will ensure strict implementation of the Mental Health Policy. We will also strengthen the mental health hospital at Tanda Medical College,” he said. Changing lifestyles, fiercely competitive life and rising drug addiction are major factors for rise in mental health issues.

The minister said Chief Minister Sukvinder Singh Sukhu had announced the setting up of a state-level Drug De-addiction and Rehabilitation Centre. “The Social Justice Empowerment Department recently held a meeting where all Deputy Commissioners have been asked to look for 30 to 40 bighas of land for setting up of drug de-addiction centres,” said Shandil.

He said the government must create the post of a psychiatrist at every civil hospital and post of counsellors in all medical colleges, jails and in educational institutions. Pathania said six to seven crore mental health patients exist in India, the issue which needs attention of the Health Department.

“In Himachal, in a population of 75 lakh, probably 15 lakh patients of mental health exist,” said Pathania. He lamented that with the stigma being attached with mental health and anxiety disorders, it is considered a taboo and people do not seek medical help.

He said there was a dire need for creating awareness on mental health which needs diagnosis and medication by a psychiatrist, counselling and therapy to be done by a professional counsellor and lastly the social rehabilitation of such people.

Participating in the debate Bharmour MLA Janak Raj said any person irrespective of economic, age or social status can become a victim of depression. “In Himachal, 2,502 people committed suicide, including 1710 men and 792 women,” he said. In 2017, the Government of India has enforced the Mental Health Act so all such people should be taken care of.

Churah MLA Hans Raj said there was a need for identifying the problem of mental health as it is assuming serious proportions. “There is near absence of set up in the health institutions to tackle the issue of mental health issues arising out of problems like drug addiction, marital discord, economic crisis and professional stress faced by every section of society,” said Dehra MLA Hoshiyar Singh while participating in the debate.

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