Lack of psychiatric support in primary and community health centres at the village level has been the biggest predicament in timely treatment of many of the mentally ill patients in the initial stage. This has been the biggest obstacle, but the health department is ready to overcome the adversities faced in reaching out to those who have been left on their own.

KEY POINTS:

i) During the last few years, the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) has been able to provide services for general people through the district mental health teams headed by psychiatrists.

ii) However mental health should be given importance not only while commemorating the World Mental Health Day, but should be observed every day focusing on people with mental illnesses.

iii) The state Assam will support the programme in all aspects. Budget will be available for mental health activities.

iv) It is very encouraging these days to see the discussions around mental health.

v) All kinds of resources — financial, human resources whatever is required in strengthening the existing setup of mental health facilities in Assam, we will try to do as soon as possible.