Boost for Your Mind

On May 21st in Nepal – Mental health frequently remains unaddressed in this country. Because of deeply ingrained stigmas, numerous individuals endure their struggles unnoticed and untreated. Even those seeking assistance encounter hurdles since facilities often fall short of delivering adequate care. Consequently, public confidence in these systems continues to decline. Additionally, this situation fosters societal inequality, with recovery being accessible primarily for those able to afford costly private treatments. Addressing such concerns, the Supreme Court issued a crucial judgment following a Public Interest Litigation submitted by an NGO focused on mental health, instructing the government to revamp national mental health policies and services. This development is indeed promising.

One of the concerns highlighted in the Public Interest Litigation pertained to the inadequate execution of the National Mental Health Policy from 1996. This policy aimed at ensuring equal access to fundamental mental healthcare for every citizen, fostering the growth of mental health experts, protecting the rights of people suffering from mental illnesses, and increasing public understanding. Additionally, it proposed establishing a specialized mental health department under the Ministry of Health. However, numerous hospitals fail entirely to offer these services, and even where they claim to provide them, adequate infrastructure and qualified personnel are frequently lacking. Consequently, upon receiving instructions from the highest judicial body regarding the formulation of mental health laws, the Ministry admitted that due to insufficient funding and an untrained staff, it could not comply with these orders during the current financial period.

The Ministry of Finance has established an upper limit of Rs83 billion for healthcare spending in the coming financial year, marking a reduction of Rs3 billion compared to what was designated for the Ministry of Health and Population during the current fiscal period. Consequently, although the Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health section within the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division received roughly Rs47 million this year, their projected allocation for fiscal year 2025-26 will be reduced to Rs35 million. Such cuts seem counterproductive in a nation where one out of every eight individuals struggles with some form of mental illness; moreover, these conditions appear to be increasing. According to findings from the National Mental Health Survey conducted in Nepal, as much as 5.2% of young people grappled with various mental ailments, including about 4% who experienced ideation related to self-harm and another 0.7% reporting actual attempts at taking their own lives. Furthermore, figures provided by the Nepal Police reveal that over 7,223 persons lost their battle against life through suicide in the most recent fiscal year ending 2023–24, continuing an upward trend observed across the preceding biennial cycle totaling nearly 13,823 such instances between 2021–22 and 2022–23.

Recently, numerous health programs such as the Safe Motherhood Initiative face potential setbacks because of financial limitations. This must not occur within the realm of mental health services. As external funding dwindles, focusing on essential aspects like public mental wellness becomes increasingly important. Therefore, the Ministry of Health ought to view the Supreme Court’s guidance as an opportunity to advocate for increased governmental support. Although fiscal restrictions might hinder providing comprehensive free initial treatments, there needs to be a strong pledge towards making mental health education available universally. Such measures would empower people to better handle their psychological wellbeing. Having set this precedent, it falls upon the administration to respond promptly and decisively.