NRHC to Hold National Conference Today to Discuss Government Initiatives to Address Mental Health

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is organizing a national conference at Vigyan Bhawan to discuss the government's initiatives in addressing mental healthcare concerns and eliminating the stigma associated with mental health. The conference, titled 'Moving Mental Health Beyond Institutions,' will have various participating stakeholders, including – district session judges, state health secretaries, mental healthcare professionals, and civil society representatives. The aim is to assess the implementation of the 'Mental Healthcare Act 2017,' and raise awareness about mental health issues. 

The NHRC has been actively monitoring mental healthcare institutions and has prepared a comprehensive report on the status of implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, which will be released during the conference. Additionally, they have worked on a book titled 'Mental Health - Concern for All,' covering various aspects of mental health and related policies and laws in India. 

The conference will focus on four thematic areas, including challenges in implementing the Mental Healthcare Act, infrastructure, human resources in mental health establishments, rights of persons with mental illness, and the latest trends in critical care of mental health from an international perspective.