RSP lawmaker Khanal calls for formation of Mental Health Council

Kathmandu. KATHMANDU: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSS) lawmaker KP Khanal has urged the government to formulate a new policy keeping mental health in the national priority, saying the increasing cases of self-immolation in the country of recent period have caused serious concern.

Speaking at the meeting of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, lawmaker Khanal said that a serious review was needed on the state of mental health caused by self-immolation and the government mechanisms related to it.

Despite notable advancements in science and technology, mental health sector was yet to meet the expectations, he said the increasing cases of depression, anxiety and self-immolation have made the society more sensitive.

“Lately, there have been untoward incidents of self-immolation. This has deeply worried me. The time has come for us to think deeply and have a comprehensive discussion about mental health. ’

Lawmaker Khanal said that mental health services are still limited, unequal and capital-centric, and it has not been able to provide easy services to the citizens across the country.

According to him, mental health is not only related to disease but also related to the balance of biological, psychological and social aspects and it needs to be addressed from a holistic perspective.

Pointing out the need of formulating new policy related to mental health with timely revision, he urged the government to initiate institutional reforms in this sector.

Khanal urged the government to establish ‘Mental Health Council’ to make mental health services effective.

He urged the government as well as the opposition parties to help make necessary legal and policy arrangements taking mental health as a common national agenda.

“Mental Health Council should be formed in Nepal. “There is a need to create a mechanism for effective monitoring and management of mental health services with the participation of qualified and skilled psychologists,” he said.