Nearly 38 lakh people counselled, treated for mental health issues at Karnataka government clinics in four years

Over 38 lakh people have been treated and counselled for mental health issues in Karnataka's State-run clinics in four years. Common disorders reported include anxiety, depression, substance and alcohol abuse apart from obsessive compulsive disorders.

Over the past four years, over 38 lakh people have been treated and counselled for mental health issues at State-run mental health clinics in district hospitals and medical colleges.

According to information provided by the Health Department in the winter session of the State legislature, while 10,63,242 people with mental illness have been treated and counselled in the government centres in 2019-2020, the subsequent years saw 9,02,040, 8,65,386, and 9,40,514 people receiving treatment and counselling.

Data revealed there are 71 posts sanctioned for psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and psychiatric social workers in district hospitals. Of these, 19 posts are vacant. Besides, of the 244 sanctioned posts for outsourced employees, 32 are vacant.

Rajani P, State Deputy Director (Mental Health), told The Hindu recently that over 10% of those treated and counselled at the government centres reported common mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, substance and alcohol abuse apart from obsessive compulsive disorders (OCDs).

“The number of mental health consultations are increasing. We are also seeing many suicide attempt cases and priority is given to counsel/treat them and stop them from making repeat attempts,” she said.

Stating that mental health facilities exist in all district hospitals and medical college hospitals in the State, Dr. Rajani said the department’s Manochaitanya and Manasadhara programmes to provide free treatment, counselling and medicines to people suffering from mental health disorders and their rehabilitation are running successfully.

Karnataka, under the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), is one of the few States to have dedicated psychiatrists as team leaders in all districts. Besides, all PHC doctors are being trained to provide the first line of treatment, she said.