Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Laudable

The editorial, `The challenge of mental illness,' (Nov. 9) is laudable. Given that psychiatric disorders represent the most vexing and disabling of the conditions affecting mankind, steps towards attenuating the burden of mental illnesses should involve increasing the duration of psychiatry training in the MBBS curriculum. Unless it is ensured that a professional at the end of medical training is competent to diagnose and treat common mental disorders, health care for the mentally ill in India is likely to flounder.

Dr. Alby Elias,
Thrissur, Kerala

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The editorial is a warning about mental illness and its neglect. With competition and stress increasing in all spheres of life, the Centre and the States must pay urgent attention to these illnesses.

Early diagnosis and proper treatment are required for recovery. The participation of society and the dedicated involvement of non-governmental organisatons are also important.

Manojkumar S. Shete,
Ashta, Maharashtra

* * *

Your advice that a progressive approach, which recognises the need for trained medical personnel and essential drugs at primary health centres and in taluk and district hospitals, can make a difference is heartening. The Centre should see respond positively in this regard in favour of the mentally challenged.

Nagaraja Sundaresan,
Pondicherry

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