The Hindu : Kerala News : Action plan to help the mentally challenged

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Dec 05, 2004

Kerala

Kerala

Action plan to help the mentally challenged

By Our Staff Reporter

KOCHI, DEC. 4. Identification of inter-personal problems in the family, utilisation of the productive capabilities of the patient and time-bound vocational courses are the main points in the action plan that was released at a workshop organised here on Friday on `Supported living for the homeless and abandoned mentally ill'.

The other points in the plan are formation of small, organised groups that work with the help of local political leaders, Non Governmental Organisation (NGOs), psychologists and social workers; clean surroundings; easy availability of a psychiatrist and proper follow-up action on the patient.

The workshop was organised by Actionaid India, Palluruthy Relief Settlement, People's Council for Social Justice and Corporation of Cochin. The Judge of High Court of Kerala Thottatil B. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the event that was organised on the International Day of Disabled Persons.

Utilisation of money

D. Raju, secretary, Kerala State Mental Health Authority, said that local bodies and religious organisations play a vital role in rehabilitating the mentally challenged. "There is no scarcity of funds, but it must be ensured that the money is properly utilised. Community-based rehabilitation is better than establishing exclusive zones for the patients. The media should be sensitive while handling suicide and related cases," he said.

C.J. John, psychiatrist, said there is an urgent need to treat mentally challenged people who are seen wandering around various places. "There is need to form a district-level mental health rehabilitation plan," he said.

T. Murali, Head, Department of Rehabilitation, NIMHANS, said that even if the patient gets better and is sent home, systematic follow-up action is necessary for at least three years. "Many of the patients commit suicide. The media plays a major role in bringing them into mainstream society," he said.

Prakash Arackal, consultant psychiatrist, said that organisations such as Rotary and Lions clubs could do a lot to help the patients.

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