Minister of State for Health Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar inaugurated a national conference on “Moving Mental Health Beyond Institutions, in New Delhi today, July 26. Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission Justice Arun Mishra was also present on the occasion. The objective of the conference is to discuss the challenges in the implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, and deliberate on the way forward on the resolution of mental health issues.
In her address, Dr. Pawar said, mental health is an integral part of our health as it affects all aspects of our lives. Underlining the importance of mental health, she stated that it is critically important to remove the stigma that prevents individuals from seeking the help that they need. The Minister said, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, mental health has been given a lot of importance which is demonstrated by the passing of the landmark Mental Healthcare Act 2017. 

Highlighting the importance of addressing the challenges of mental health and the Mental Healthcare Act 2017, She said, the Centre is promoting the availability of and access to cost-effective treatment of common mental disorders.  Dr. Pawar informed that mental health has been included in the flagship Ayushman Bharat scheme. She also stated that since the launch of the National Tele-Mental Health service, 42 Tele-Manas cells have been established that have already recorded over 2 lakh calls. 

The Minister underlined the need for a new mental healthcare paradigm that transcends the limitations of institutions and focuses on community-based support. She urged the dignitaries to deliberate on the pressing issues of mental health challenges in India and work towards a future where mental healthcare is accessible, affordable, inclusive, and compassionate.

Justice Arun Mishra said that one out of 10 persons suffers from one or different kinds of mental disorders. He said, addressing mental health requires a comprehensive approach encompassing healthcare, education, public policy, and social support systems. Stressing on the need for empathy, not sympathy towards mental illness, he made a strong case for mental health to be given the same importance as physical health. The NHRC Chairperson stressed the need for integration of mental health, substance abuse, general medical care, and hospital and community care, which are poorly coordinated.

He said, without mental health, there is no health. Justice Mishra underscored the need to mobilize efforts to raise awareness of mental health issues. He said, we must integrate mental health education into schools, colleges, and workplaces. He added that setting up healthy boundaries with social media is also necessitated.