New Delhi, March 12, 2024 (Punjab khabarnama) : The World Health Organization today called on countries in the WHO South-East Asia Region to prioritize the transition from long-term institutional mental health services to community-based care, so that These services can be ensured. According to an official release, accessible, equitable and stigma-free and provided opportunities to the affected persons to lead productive lives.“The transition from long-stay tertiary psychiatric institutions to community-based care is beneficial to both individuals and society at large. When these services are integrated into the fabric of our communities, it becomes easier for individuals to seek help without fear of judgment or discrimination. This change also allows for greater personal autonomy, better quality of life, and personalized care options. Community-based settings allow individuals to gain a sense of independenceand provide opportunities to engage in social and professional activities that can improve their overall well-being. -is happening,” Saima Wajed, Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia, said in her virtual speech at the regional meeting on ‘Transitioning from long-term care services to community mental health networks: towards institutionalization in the WHO South-East Asia Region’. Said in the address.An estimated 13.7 percent of the region’s population suffers from mental health conditions. The treatment gap for mental health conditions remains high – up to 95 percent.More than 2,00,000 people die by suicide every year. People with severe mental disorders die 10 to 20 years earlier than others. However, investment in mental health remains very low across the region, the release said.Regional Director releases a report on ‘Deinstitutionalization of people with mental health conditions in the WHO South-East Asia Region’, which offers recommendations that can be adapted to local realities, while acknowledging the complexities and unique contexts of each country Is.“This report can serve as a catalyst for change, igniting a process that will result in every person living a life of dignity, purpose and satisfaction,” said Wazed, who champions the issue of mental health. and have established it as one of their top. Priorities as Regional Director.Long-term mental health institutions, including psychiatric hospitals and asylums, are often characterized by a lack of effective treatment, isolation, poor living conditions, lack of resources, and overcrowding.The transition from institutional care to community-based care has been driven by increasing understanding of the negative impact of long-term institutionalization, advances in treatment, and recognition of the human rights and dignity of persons with mental disorders.“Historically mental health care has been synonymous with institutionalization. Large asylums were built with the intention of providing shelter for people struggling with mental illnesses. “However, as our understanding of mental health has evolved, so too must the ways we provide care.” The regional director said, according to the release.Earlier, this was emphasized in the Paro Declaration on Universal Access to People-Centred Mental Health Care and Services adopted by Member States of the region in 2022 and the Regional Action Plan for Mental Health for the WHO South-East Asia Region 2023-2030 . Shift towards community-based services.This approach benefits individuals, reduces the burden on emergency services and reduces the overall cost of mental health care, he said. Importantly, community-based mental health care shows better outcomes, reduces treatment gaps, and increases coverage.
