Briefing media persons at the Deputy Commissioner's office in Mangalore on Saturday on the various steps planned to enhance the quality of treating mental illnesses, Dr. K A Ashok Pai, Chairman of the Task Force, said that a district unit of the Task Force would be set up in each district including Dakshina Kannada.
The Task Force is contemplating starting of schools for the residential care of mentally retarded children in each district with approximately 50 inmates, and a proposed fund of Rs.9 crore is likely to be set aside for the purpose in the next state budget, he said.
Similarly, the Task Force plans to start residential care and rehabilitation centre for chronically ill mentally disabled patients in each district with approximately 50 inmates at a proposed cost of Rs. 9 crore. Four de-addiction centres and four cerebral palsy treatment centres in four zones in the state have also been planned at an approximate cost of Rs. 4 crore, he informed.
Counseling would be provided to school teachers to treat and rehabilitate mentally disabled, spastics and people with multiple disabilities.
Mr. Pai emphasized on the need to create awareness of psychiatric and scientific treatment among the masses as there is widespread belief in superstitions and religious rituals among people when it comes to treating mentally ill patients, he said.
The Task Force has been formed keeping in mind the lack of resources available to treat mental illnesses in the state, Mr. Pai said. “As per universal guidelines, there is a need for one mental health professional for each 1,00,000 population which is not attainable in the present prevailing mental health scenario in India. At present there are around 250 psychiatrists, 200 clinical psychologists, and same number of psychiatric social workers in Karnataka many of whom have given up their trained discipline and opted for other career options. Many districts with an average populations of 15 lakhs do not have basic mental health care facilities. There are only about 250-300 in-patient beds collectively in all hospitals excluding NIMHANS and Dharwad Mental Hospital. Hardly 50 psychiatrists are trained annually in Karnataka most of whom choose to go abroad for better opportunities. Hence, the Task Force has been formed to reach out to the needy and provide affordable mental health services”, Mr. Pai said.
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