TNN, Jan 21, 2011, 03.47am IST

 There might be help at hand if you're physically ill, but getting medical support for your mind may not be that easy. There are just 23% of the required psychiatrists and 25% of psychiatric nurses in the country. The figures are worse for clinical psychologists and psychiatrists __ just two to three per cent of the total need.

To tackle this, the Union health ministry has decided to develop 11 institutions as centres of excellence in mental health on the lines of Nimhans. These institutions will add 44 psychiatrists, 176 clinical psychologists, 176 psychiatric social workers and 220 psychiatric nurses annually, Union health and family welfare minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said on Thursday.

Speaking at the 15th annual convocation of National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (Nimhans), the minister said the ministry will provide support to states to begin PG courses in mental health institutions.

"It is very important to bridge the gap between increasing requirement and availability of mental health professionals. We are also initiating the process to amend the National Mental Health Act of 1987, so that rights of those with mental illnesses are not overlooked," he added.

NIMHANS TO HAVE 4 BRANCHES

Nimhans is likely to have four branches and the budget for it will be allocated in the 12th Five Year Plan, Azad said. The branches are likely to be in east, central east, north and western parts of India to cater to mental healthcare needs in these areas.


courtesy:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Mental-healthcare-needs-a-shake-up/articleshow