The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on October 10, 2023, issued the advisory on Mental Health.
The following has been stated:
• Implementation of existing laws and policies
I. All States/ UTs must prioritize constituting the Mental Health Authority, and Mental Health Review Boards, and framing Rules and Regulations as mandated under sections 45, 73, 121, and 123 of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 (Act, 2017).
II. Insurance policies and schemes should include treatment of mental illnesses to increase accessibility and affordability to mental health care.
• Infrastructure and amenities
I. Capabilities with special care for the geriatric population with mental illness be created in all Establishments.
II. A separate ward for children and adolescents should be provided in all Establishments.
• Human Resource
I. As a separate subject, psychiatry shall be included in the undergraduate medical curriculum. Every opportunity must be utilized to train doctors in basic psychiatry.
II. A proper human resource plan may be developed and implemented by concerned government agencies.
• Outreach and community services
I. A common web portal for registering all mental health professionals shall be provided in the public domain so that to facilitate the target under Section 31 (3) of 10 years is achieved.
II. Digital programs, such as telepsychiatry and tele-counseling shall be provided to persons with mental health issues.
• Rehabilitation of recovered patients
I. The development of new abilities and involvement in occupational activities should be promoted in patients, helping a speedy recovery and social rehabilitation.
II. Patients should not be retained in Establishments even for a day after declaring fit for discharge.
• Services of the states
I. A person should be specified in each establishment to ensure free legal aid is provided, as mandated under Section 27 of the Act, 2017
II. Camps may be organized and set up in Establishments to provide Aadhaar cards to patients and to update their details mandatorily.
• Mass awareness and sensitization
I. Mass awareness and sensitization must be carried out via campaigns, television, newspapers, and other media in all local languages to increase public awareness of issues relating to mental health.
[Notification No R-18/ 6/ 2023 – PRPP (RU-3)]
