India's resolution on mental health approved at global meet

New Delhi had played a leadership role in promoting the global debate on the need for urgent action plan for the promotion of mental health at the ongoing World Health Assembly in Geneva.

The government has been separately working on strengthening interventions in the 12th Plan for the care of people with mental illness, including emphasis on family and community care and training of health and community workers, and short and long stay homes.

The government has begun a major exercise to develop a mental health policy for the country. It is also expected that the country would shortly introduce new legislation to replace the Mental Health Act 1987, to bring itself into conformity with international commitments to protect the rights of persons with mental illness.