By Nayak Paudel
Kathmandu, Sept. 13: As the government has begun to increase its concerns towards mental health, experts have applauded the step taken while suggesting the government to not slow its pace.
While the government used to be criticised in the past years for its inadequate step, experts argue that the government has recently started enhancing its approach towards mental health.
“Enough budgets have been allocated for mental health sector recently and the government is showing active involvement. But there are still many things to address and implement,” said Dr. Basudev Karki, psychiatrist at Mental Hospital, Patan.
A few days ago, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had called mental health experts and senior officials from different ministries at Baluwatar to discuss and receive suggestion on the mental health issue.
“The central government needs to come up with an action plan to strengthen mental health sector by coordinating with the line ministries, stakeholders and experts. The action plan should also be based on scientific analysis and statistics,” said Karki.
With the Nepal Health Research Council conducting survey regarding mental health status in Nepal, experts argue that the report will help the authorities to draw up effective plans and policies.
As the cases of mental health issues are increasing amidst COVID-19 pandemic since it continues affecting day-to-day lives of thousands, government has been recommended to take necessary steps at the earliest.
According to the Nepal Police data, more than 2,000 individuals had committed suicide during the four month period since March 24 as the government imposed nationwide lockdown.
The cases of suicides have increased during lockdown and are also increasing over the years. With 5,317 cases of suicide in fiscal year 2017/18, the cases increased to 5,754 in 2018/19 and 6,241 in 2019/20.
Meanwhile, the government has also launched free suicide prevention helpline services from two hospitals – Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital and the Mental Hospital.
“There are many helpline services that offer counselling regarding mental health and it has helped many. However, there is process going on to operate a single dedicated helpline number for mental health counselling across the country,” said Karki.
Authorities are planning to operate 1166, the suicide prevention helpline number of Mental Hospital, as the dedicated one throughout the country. As per the experts, professional counsellors will then provide quality counselling to the callers.
“Various steps have begun in strengthening the mental health sector. However, the goal will be achieved only if authorities continue with similar dedication. We look forward to that development,” Karki added.