(a) whether the facilities for the treatment of mentally challenged children are available in the various Government hospitals in the country including Delhi;
(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(c) the efforts made by the Government to provide adequate facilities for the treatment of such patients in each hospital?
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a) to (c): ‘Mental Retardation’ or ‘Mentally Challenged’ is a developmental disability
for which no cure exists as of today. However, early diagnosis and intervention leads to
limitation of disability. Pediatric & Psychiatry departments of Government Hospitals provide
such services. Government of India is providing support for upgradation of mental health
facilities under the scheme of upgradation of Psychiatric Wings of Govt. Medical Colleges/
General Hospitals, Manpower Development Schemes in Mental Health, modernization of State –
run Mental Health Institutes under the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP). District
Mental Health Programme under NMHP also provides for appropriate intervention and management
of mental disorders including Mentally Challenged.