’Mentally ill have right to dignified life’ - World Mental Health Day

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Oct 11, 2014:  Inaugurating the World Mental Health Day programme at RAPCC (Regional Advance Pediatric Care Centre) premises,  organised by Wenlock district hospital, District Legal Services Authority, KMC Hospital Department of Psychiatry and Manaswini in Mangalore on October 10.   First Additional District and Sessions Judge BK Naik said, the Indian Constitution clearly states that every mentally ill patient has the right to get protection.

The Judge said that the Mental Health Act which came into force in 1987, allows the judge to pass a reception order to handle the patients with every  human dignity and condidertion during legal processes.

In times gone by, a person who was mentally ill was rejected by family and society, resulting in the patient forced to lead an inhuman  life. The family members of the patient hesitated to admit the patient to hospital fearing social stigma. But, much awareness has been created today compared to times past, Judge Naik said and added that mentally ill persons too have a right to lead a life of dignity, as guaranteed by the  constitutional law.

A J Hospital Department of Psychiatry Head Dr Ravish Tunga who was the chief guest of the programme said that this year’s theme given by World Health Organization for the Mental Health Day is ‘Living with Schizophrenia’. It is a challenge for the family members of Schizophrenia patients and hence the theme, he said. Dr Tunga further said that the role of family members is significant in the cure of Schizophrenia as medicine alone will not meet the needs. Along with clinical treatment, there is a need of comfertable communication and acceptance with these unfortunate humans.

Estimates In India state,  one crore population suffers from some form of Schizophrenia. A person is called Schizophrenic when his thought process, emotion and action are imbalanced. The disorder can be chronic, if not treated in time. Hence, the family of the patient should take him to the specialist, Dr Tunga said and called upon people not to follow superstitious practices which are incorrect. Psychological and social support is a must to encourage normal thinking and emotions in the patient. At the same time, the caretakers should avoid critical comments, over involvement and hostility, Dr Tunga added. Major part of treatment is medication and the minor part is care and counseling.


 Senior Civil Judge and member secretary of District Legal Services Authority, Ganesha B released a ’Mental Health Awareness Leaflet.’ KMC medical college students performed a play to show how to deal with the Schizophrenia patients and where to take them when they are affected with Schizophrenia

Senior Civil Judge and District Legal Services Authority Member Secretary Ganesh B said that children require counseling at the entery stage to adolescence, so that they do not take the wrong path.  Wenlock district hospital Superintendent Dr Rajeshwari Devi presided over the function. Dignitaries and people participated.