Question : Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether as per WHO report India contributed to 11.6 per cent of global neuropsychiatric disorders in the world and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government proposes to take remedial steps in this regard and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether there is a shortage of Specialist Neurosurgeons in the country and if so, the details thereof and necessary steps taken in this regard;

(d) whether the Government proposes to provide financial assistance to the patients suffering from such disease for medical treatment and if so, the details thereof including the norms and procedure that needs to be followed and the number of beneficiaries who have received this aid in the last one year; and

(e) whether the Government is encouraging research activities on the prevention of neuropsychiatric disorders and if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)
(a) & (b): As per the World Health Organization’s Report “Mental Health Atlas 2011” neuropsychiatric disorders are estimated to contribute to 11.6% of the global burden of disease in India.

To address the burden of mental disorders, the Government of India is implementing the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) since 1982. The Government is supporting implementation of the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) under NMHP in 444 districts of the country for detection, management and treatment of mental disorders/illness. During the 12th Five Year Plan, the DMHP has been restructured to include additional components like suicide prevention services, work place stress management, life skills training and counselling in schools and colleges. Support is also provided for Central/ State Mental Health Authorities, Research and Training and for Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities.



(c): The data regarding number of Specialist Neurosurgeons in the country is not maintained centrally.

(d): Under the “Swavlamban” Health Insurance scheme of Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disability, persons with disabilities can avail Rs. 2 lakhs family floater policy for a period of 12 months at an affordable premium of Rs. 357 (as on June 2017) per family/ beneficiary. Persons with mental illness and mental retardation are also included in the list of beneficiaries.

(e): The Government is encouraging research activities in the field of mental health by providing funds for Research through Indian Council of Medical Research, Department of Science and Technology and Department of Biotechnology.