Question : REHABILITATION OF MENTALLY ILL PATIENTS



(a) whether there is any national policy for the rehabilitation of the mentally ill patients;

(b) if so, details thereof; and

(c) if not, the reasons therefor?

Answer given by the minister


THE MINISTER OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT (DR. SATYANARAYAN JATIYA)

(a) to (c) `Mental illness` has been recognized as a disability under the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full participation) Act, 1995. The Mental Health Act, 1987 containing provisions for treatment of mentally ill persons is administered by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Under the scheme to promote voluntary action for persons with disabilities, non governmental organizations can be supported by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to undertake programmes for the rehabilitation of the cured mentally ill.