Time for deep and careful internal soul searching to safeguard the rights of persons with mental illness, says NHRC Chairperson, Mr. Justice Arun Mishra; urges for a sincere, dedicated and determined effort to fight the cause

New Delhi, 28th July, 2022

A National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, India delegation on their two-day visit to Agra, Uttar Pradesh, conducted a workshop, in collaboration with the Government of Uttar Pradesh, to discuss the issues and challenges, and to formulate a plan for efficient working of the Institute of Mental Health and Hospital, Agra, today. This is in continuation with the visit and inspection of the Institute of Mental Health and Hospital on 27th July, 2022.

The Chief Guest of the workshop, NHRC Chairperson, Mr. Justice Arun Mishra, said that before moving on to emulate the best practices, it is important to address the problems faced by the Institute, including shortage of medical and administrative staff and timely payments of salary and required budget of the Institute for effective functioning of the Institution.

Justice Mishra exhorted that persons with mental illnesses are not to be left at the mercy of family members. He said that he was appalled to learn that own family members disown the persons affected by mental illness and allow them to languish in mental healthcare institutions. Persons suffering from mental illness have an equal share in the Civil and Property Rights.

Justice Mishra said that it is time to think over the old ways of functioning. State needs to step in to ensure rehabilitation of persons affected by mental health issues. He requested to stop the blame game and urged to turn the focus towards invoking compassion and empathy. He said, with honesty of heart and love towards fellow humans, results are possible.

Earlier, NHRC Member, Mr. Justice M.M. Kumar said that implementing the provisions of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 by formulation of rules and regulations by the States is the only way for effective functioning of the health care institutions in the State. He called for establishment and holding regular meetings of the Mental Healthcare Authorities. Justice Kumar requested for synergy and cooperation between various authorities working for the cause of mental healthcare so that awareness and sensitivity is built for the promotion and protection of the rights of persons with mental illness.

Making a brief interjection, NHRC Member, Mr. Rajiv Jain said that there is a paradigm shift in treatment of mental illnesses. He urged for a fresh look towards mental illness besides the augmentation of facilities. The NHRC Secretary General, Mr. Devendra Kumar Singh talked about the need for preventive and palliative mental health care. He explained in detail various rights of persons suffering from mental health issues, guaranteed under the Mental Healthcare Act, 2917. He called for an equitable and inclusive society where freedom, justice, and dignity for everyone are ensured without any discrimination.

The main points that have emerged from the two-day visit, among others, are as follows:

• Holding regular meetings of Mental Health Authority as required under the Act;

• Initiate and sustain effective sensitization and awareness workshops, to share the best practices among various stakeholders;

• Sincere implementation of the provisions of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017;

• Strengthening the system of Half Way Home by greater coordination among various departments and civil society organisations .

• Registering all the Mental Health Institutions after fixing norms of registration;

• Focusing on the substance abuse disorders, which is harming the youth of the country, special measures to be induced to avoid relapse, and

• Increase adequate budgetary allocation for mental health care and for smooth running of the Institution

• Addressing issues relating to large number of vacancies and filling up the vacant posts.

Shri Pranjal Yadav, Secretary, Department of Medical Health and Family Welfare stated that the Government of Uttar Pradesh is committed for this cause and has released a booklet in hindi to create awareness on this subject and assured that Government will take all possible measures for effective implementation of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 in the State. Issues relating to adequate budget allocation are being attended, he added. Dr Gyanendra Kumar, Director, Institute of Mental Health and Hospital Agra made a detailed power point presentation before the Commission and Dr Sunil Pandey, CEO, State Mental Authority briefed about various activities of the authority.

The workshop was also attended by the NHRC Director General (Investigation), Mr. Manoj Yadava, and Joint Secretary, Mr. H.C Chaudhary. Among others, Shri Vivek Sangal, District and Sessions Judge, Agra, Shri Sunil Kumar, Addl. Director General of Health Services, Government of India; Prof. (Dr.) Pratima Murthy Director, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) also participated in the discussion.

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