(a) whether Schizophrenia is spreading in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
(c) the number of patients suffering from this disease, State-wise;
(d) the facilities available to treat such patients; and
(e) the steps taken to spread awareness about this disease in the country?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI)
(a) to (c): There is no evidence to say that the disease of Schizophrenia is spreading in the country.
The epidemiological studies done from different parts of the country indicate that 2-3 persons per thousand
are affected by Schizophrenia. Due to awareness, the number of patients accessing health care facilities has
increased. The number of patients suffering from schizophrenia State-wise is not centrally maintained.
(d): Psychiatry department of Medical Colleges (262 in number), Psychiatry wing of General Hospitals both in
private and public sector, Mental hospitals and Institutes of mental health (37 in number under Government)
provide both inpatient and outpatient facilities to the patients suffering from Schizophrenia.In addition, District
Mental Health Programme, a component of National Mental Health Programme which is operational in 94 districts of the
country is also offering the facility of treatment to such patients in the community.
(e): Information, Communication and Education (IEC) is one of the component of District Mental Health Programme
operational in 94 districts. At the National level funds are earmarked for IEC activities.