[pib] National Mental Health Programme (NMHP)

Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

[pib] National Mental Health Programme (NMHP)

Prelims Only | Indian Society | Mains Paper 1: Population & Associated Issues

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: National Mental Health Programme

Why in the News?

The National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) is a flagship initiative by the Government of India aimed at addressing the growing mental health challenges in the country.

About National Mental Health Programme (NMHP):

Details	Initiated in 1982 and restructured in 2003, the NMHP aims to modernize mental health facilities and upgrade psychiatric wings in medical institutions.
Features and Signficance	The program has 3 components: 1. Treatment of mentally ill 2. Rehabilitation 3. Prevention and promotion of positive mental health.
Aims and Objectives	Prevention and treatment of mental and neurological disorders and their associated disabilities. Use of mental health technology to improve general health services. Application of mental health principles in total national development to improve quality of life.
Structural Mandate	The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), based on the Bellary Model, focuses on community mental health services at the primary healthcare level, spanning 716 districts. DMHP provides outpatient services, counselling, psycho-social interventions, and support for severe mental disorders. Priority given to mental morbidity and treatment. Primary healthcare services at village and sub-center levels. Services at the Primary Health Center (PHC) and District Hospital levels. Facilities at Mental Hospitals and Teaching Psychiatric Units.

Back2Basics: The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017

It replaced the Mental Healthcare Act, 1987, which was criticized for failing to recognize the rights of mentally ill individuals.
It ensures the Right to Access to Healthcare and aims to ensure the rights and dignity of those with mental illness.
It decriminalized suicide, stating that attempts are presumed to be under severe stress and shall not be punished.

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