World Schizophrenia Day 24 may 2014

Introduction

• It is estimated that 6-7% of population suffers from mental disorders in the country.Globally these disorders account for 12% of burden of disease and an analysis of trends indicates this will increase to 15 % by 2020.(world health report,2001).one in four families is likely to have at least one member with a behavioral or mental disorder(WHO,2001).These families not only provide physical & emotional support but also bearthe negative impact of stigma & discrimination.Most of them remain un-treated. Poor awareness about symptoms of mental illness ,myths & stigma related to it,lack of knowledge on the treatment availability  & potential benefits of seeking treatment are important causes for high treatment gap.

 

• However most of the mental illnesses do not require hospitalisation& are manageable by OPD treatment & follow up care.The new thinking on mental health at national & international level is to make services of mental health community based rather than hospital based.Such community based services are cost-effective,accessible,help to ensure respect for human rights,limit stigma & lead to early treatment & recovery.

 

• National Mental Health Programme was launched in 1982 with following objectives

      

          1)To ensure availability & accessibility of minimum mental health care for all in the foreseeable future  ,particularly to the most vulnerable & underpriviledged sections of the population;

     

         2)To encourage the application of mental health knowledge in general healthcare and in social development;and

    

         3)To promote community participation in the mental health service development and to stimulate efforts towards self-help in the community.

• District Mental Health Programme was launched in 1996 under NMHP and was expanded to 27 districts of the country by the end of 9th five year plan period.In 2003 NMHP was restrategised to include Upgradation of psychiatric wings of Government Medical colleges /General hospitals,Modernisation of the state run mental hospitals,IEC activities,Research & Training.At the end of 10th five year plan period 108 districts were covered under DMHP,71 psychiatric wings of medical colleges/General hospital were funded for upgradation and 23 State run mental hospitals were funded for modernisation.

• Based on the evaluation and feedback received from a series of consultations it has been decided by the Government of India that DMHP be revised & consolidated on new pattern of assistance with added components of Life skill education & counselling in schools,college counselling services ,Work place stress management ,Suicide prevention services. 

 

• DMHP is functional in 123 districts of country.In Maharashtra 6 districts have operationalised DMHP which include Satara,Raigad,Parbhani,Buldhana,Jalgaon & Amravati.