National Mental Health Programme (NMHP)

National Mental Health Programme was started in 1982 with the objective of ensuring the availability of mental health care services for all, especially to the community at risk and underprivileged population. 

Aims:

1. Prevention and treatment of mental and neurological disorders and associated disabilities.

2. Use of mental health technology to improve general health services.

3. Application of mental health principles in total national development to improve quality of life.

Objectives:

1. To ensure availability and accessibility of minimum mental health care for all in the foreseeable future, particularly to the most vulnerable and underprivileged section of the population.

2. To encourage the application of mental health knowledge in general health care and in social development.

3. To promote community participation in the mental health services development and to stimulate efforts towards self-help in the community.

Strategy:

1. Integration of mental health with primary health care through the NMHP.

2. Provision of tertiary care institutions for treatment of mental disorders.

3. Eradicating stigmatization of mentally ill patients and protecting their rights through regulatory institutions like the Central Mental Health Authority and State Mental Health Authority.  

Barriers to implementation of the programme:

1. Lack of awareness in relation to mental illness treatment

2. Lack of trained doctors and health workers

3. Lack of knowledge about mental illness in the family, the social boycott of the mentally ill person, and feeling of negation

4. Lack of financial resources for mental health care

In 1995, under this programme District Mental Health Programme was started. At present, this programme is implemented in 94 districts of 29 states. The Indian Government established Central Mental Health Authority for monitoring Mental Health Act 1987. The National Human Right Commission also monitors the condition of mental hospitals in the country.

Components:

1. Training programme of all workers in the mental health team at the identified nodal institute in the state.

2. Public education in mental health to increase awareness and reduce stigma.

3. For early detection and treatment, OPD and indoor services are provided.

4. Providing valuable data and experience at the level of community to the state and centre for future planning and improvement in services and research.

Activities for positive mental health: 

1. School mental health services 

2. College counselling services 

3. Workplace stress management 

4. Suicide prevention activities