The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recently flagged the inhuman and deplorable condition of government-run mental healthcare institutions. Long-term institutionalisation violates Article 21 of the Constitution, which protects personal liberty and indicates a failure of the State Government(s) to discharge its obligation under various international Covenants.

In India, an estimated 6-7% of the population suffers from mental disorders, and the burden of mental health problems is 2443 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 100,000 population. The Mental Healthcare Act (NHA), 2017, provides for the rights of persons with mental illness and establishes mental health services at the district level to provide access to mental healthcare.

However, the implementation of the act faces several challenges such as awareness, human resources, defunct bodies, funding, stigma, and infrastructure. To improve mental healthcare, it is crucial to increase funding, use technology like telemedicine and digital health platforms, and provide community-based mental health programs.

Mental Healthcare: Definition and Status
  • Mental health care encompasses a range of services and treatments for individuals experiencing mental health challenges or disorders.
  • Forms of mental health care include therapy, medication, support groups, hospitalization, and other interventions.
  • In India, an estimated 6-7% of the population suffers from mental disorders, and the burden of mental health problems is 2443 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 100,000 population.
  • The economic loss due to mental health conditions in India between 2012-2030 is estimated at USD 1.03 trillion.
  • Globally, nearly 1 billion people live with a mental disorder, and in low-income countries, more than 75% of people with the disorder do not receive treatment.
  • Suicide is a significant issue globally, with a person dying by suicide every 40 seconds.
  • Depression is one of the leading causes of disability, and suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds.
Mental Healthcare Act (NHA), 2017: Provisions and Challenges
  • The NHA provides for the rights of persons with mental illness
  • The act establishes mental health services at the district level
  • Mental Health Review Boards (MHRBs) oversee the treatment of persons with mental illness
  • The act decriminalizes attempted suicide and provides care and treatment for persons who attempt suicide
  • The act prohibits the use of Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT) without anesthesia
  • The act prohibits the use of seclusion and restraint in mental health establishments, except in exceptional circumstances
  • The act provides for advance directives for individuals to express their preferences for treatment and care
  • Challenges faced in implementing the act include lack of awareness among mental health professionals and the general public, shortage of mental health professionals in rural India, and the defunct MHRBs in many states.

MCQs on Mental Healthcare in India

  1. What is mental health care?
    A. A range of services and treatments provided to individuals experiencing mental health challenges or disorders.
    B. A range of services and treatments provided to individuals experiencing physical health challenges or disorders.
    C. A range of services and treatments provided to individuals experiencing social health challenges or disorders.
    D. A range of services and treatments provided to individuals experiencing emotional health challenges or disorders.
    Correct Answer: A. A range of services and treatments provided to individuals experiencing mental health challenges or disorders.
    Explanation: The first sentence of the essay clearly states that mental health care refers to the range of services and treatments provided to individuals experiencing mental health challenges or disorders.
  2. What is the estimated economic loss due to mental health conditions, between 2012-2030?
    A. USD 1.03 trillion.
    B. USD 1.03 billion.
    C. USD 10.3 trillion.
    D. USD 10.3 billion.
    Correct Answer: A. USD 1.03 trillion.
    Explanation: The essay states that the estimated economic loss due to mental health conditions, between 2012-2030, is USD 1.03 trillion.
  3. What is the NHA?
    A. National Health Authority
    B. National Housing Authority
    C. National Health Agency
    D. National Housing Agency
    Correct Answer: A. National Health Authority
    Explanation: The essay mentions the NHA, which stands for National Health Authority.
  4. What is the purpose of the Mental Health Review Boards (MHRBs)?
    A. To oversee the treatment of persons with mental illness and to protect their rights.
    B. To provide mental health services at the district level to provide access to mental healthcare.
    C. To establish legal aid for persons with mental illness.
    D. To provide medication to persons with mental illness.
    Correct Answer: A. To oversee the treatment of persons with mental illness and to protect their rights.
    Explanation: The essay states that the MHRBs are established to oversee the treatment of persons with mental illness and to protect their rights.

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