'Mental illness is curable scientifically', says PM Modi

Stating that superstition often blocked proper treatment and cure for the mentally ill, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the people have to understand that mental illness can be treated and is curable scientifically.

Prime Minister Modi, who delivered the convocation address at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), added that the field of mental health faces the triple challenges of lack of knowledge, lack of awareness and superstition.

The Prime Minister stated that along with skill and education, certain empathy was also required from doctors while treating patients suffering from mental ailments.

He exhorted the graduating students to treat patients with empathy and to work towards eradication of superstition regarding mental illness in society.

The Prime Minister welcomed as special guests, the poor school children from different schools in Bengaluru, who were present at the convocation.

He encouraged the students who were being awarded degrees today to interact with these children, saying this occasion could prove inspirational for them.

The Prime Minister urged the graduating students to keep in mind the people from various sections of the society who had contributed in their success in any way. He said they should always attempt to live and work for the benefit of the poor and underprivileged sections of society.

He told the graduating students that they had made a conscience call, and answered an inner desire, in choosing this profession. He said their task was tough, but he was confident that their education and their spirit of service would help them accomplish what they had set out to do.

Prime Minister Modi also congratulated all the award winners and graduating students.

Union Ministers Sadananda Gowda, Ananth Kumar and J.P. Nadda, Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala and Chief Minister Siddaramiah were also present on the occasion.

The Prime Minister inaugurated the MR-PET Centre at NIMHANS.