THE FORGOTTEN MILLIONS

Millions of chronic mentally sick are living in this country without proper care. Human rights of most of these patients both for treatment and for leading a life of dignity have been seriously abrogated. This oration discusses the extent of the problem & reviews the won\ done in this area in India and abroad. Major emphasis is to develop a programme for destigmatization of mental illness and to develop suitable models of care for chronic mentally sick keeping the realities of Indian situation in mind. The proposed programme emphasises on multi modal care of the mentally sick and involvement of local self government institutions like panchayats & municipal corporations.