Nimhans to get advanced research centre

The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (Nimhans) here will soon have a centre for advanced research for innovation in mental health and neuro sciences, announced Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad on Friday.

Addressing the 16th convocation of Nimhans, Azad said a bill had been introduced in the Parliament in the recent winter session recognising Nimhans as an institute of national importance.
Azad called upon hospitals to create space for families of patients.

He quoted the example of “Infosys Foundation Dharmashala.” At the time of setting up a hospital, provision must be made for dharmshalas and guest houses as families are an integral part of healthcare of the patient.

The National Rural Health Mission, which introduced over 1.4 lakh personnel into the health system in 2005-12, has been extended to the 12th Five Year Plan. India is the first country in the world to have launched ‘The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes,

Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke Programme (NPCDCS) and the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly. A resolution was adopted by the Moscow ministerial conference, at India’s insistence, to include mental disorders in the ambit of non-communicable diseases. A resolution on mental health is also proposed to be co-sponsored by India and the United States, among other countries, in the World Health Assembly to be held in May, 2012, the union minister said.

Vice President Hamid Ansari, who was the chief guest, said the country’s expenditure on health in proportion with GDP is as low as 1.27 percent. “More than three fourths of the total expenditure on health constitutes private sector expenditure. We are lagging behind even in terms of human resources for mental health. We have at present 20 psychiatrists per 10 million population as compared to the global average of 120, five neurologists per 10 million population compared to the global figure of 30, three psychologists per 10 million population compared to a global average of 60,” he added.

There exists a huge gap between demand for mental health service and the supply. More than two thirds who suffer from mental illness do not receive the correct treatment. Apart from infrastructure, there is also the problem of stigma attached to mental diseases which we have to fight against, through awareness camps, Ansari said.

At the convocation, degrees were awarded to 81 students including 18 PhDs. Governor H R Bhardwaj, minister for Medical Education Ramadas, Nimhans vice-chancellor Prof P Satishchandra were present.