Mental health programme requires revamp, says Nimhans director

Nimhans director Dr B N Gangadhar said on Saturday that it was essential for the district mental health programme to be redesigned to cater to the increasing mental healthcare needs of the urban masses. 

He was speaking at the 20th convocation of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (Nimhans) in the City. Gangadhar said that there was a need to revamp the Mental Health Programme, with an increasing number of people battling technology addictions, relationship issues and lonely families. 

“The previous plan was designed keeping in mind rural India. Now, there is an increased need for counselling among the urban masses as well. Hence, we are looking at the possibility of having a mental health plan to suit the urban masses,” he said. 

Union Minster for Urban Development and Parliamentary Affairs Venkaiah Naidu said migration was associated with depression. 

“Urbanisation is happening at a very fast pace and is irreversible,” he said, pointing out that migratory population constitutes 32 per cent in urban areas. Naidu said that in terms of traffic density, Bengaluru appears to be the sister of New Delhi and has been trying to compete with it. 

Naidu observed that stroke was now seen as a common problem and said that there was a need to have neuro-rehabilitation centres. 

“The government is aware of the need for increasing mental healthcare in urban areas, especially in slums, in addition to the wandering mentally ill. Based on the National Mental Health Survey, we will innovate and provide a comprehensive blueprint for initiating mental health services in urban areas,” he said, hopeful that the new mental healthcare bill would be passed soon, with the required changes. 

As many as 162 students (24 in absentia) were given certificates for the completion of their courses. Among them, seven were chosen for special awards on account of their high scores. Three students were also given prizes for being the best outgoing students.