A life of dignity: New mental health care law is imminent and it will help fill a yawning treatment gap
By JP Nadda The National Mental Health Survey 2016 published by NIMHANS recently showed that 13.7% of Indians are likely to have a mental illness during their lifetime. The survey also highlighted the huge treatment gap for mental illness ranging from 28-83%. Treatment gap refers to the proportion of people who need treatment for a mental illness but do not get it. Stigma, discrimination and violation of rights are everyday occurrences for persons with mental illness and their families.Research has shown that mental illness is associated with poverty and we will not meet the sustainable development goals on good health and well-being (SDG 3) and ending poverty (SDG 1) unless we address the health and social needs of persons with mental illness and their families and ensure their inclusion in all development activities. The Mental Health Care Bill 2013, which was passed by the Rajya Sabha in August 2016, addresses some of these important issues. T...