Bengaluru: Neurological problems account for over 70% of childhood disabilities, and could pose a threat to the development of our country, said Health Minister Dr. K. Sudhakar on Saturday December 17.
He said that due to current eating, living, and sleeping habits, mental health problems and non-communicable diseases are on the rise.
The incidence of mental health concerns is now apparent among people of all ages, including children, adults, and senior citizens. Thus, there is a significant effect on life quality,” said Sudhakar.
The Minister emphasised the importance of mental health care during the inauguration of the third Indian National Conference of COMHAD (Commonwealth Association for Health and Disability).
“The incidence of neurological conditions is rising in India and may pose a danger to the country’s social and economic development. Dementia, paralysing strokes, epilepsy, and other neurological and mental health conditions are on the rise,” the Minister said.
“We should raise awareness of these issues among everyone, from schoolchildren to working adults. Nearly 70 per cent of childhood disabilities are caused by neurological disorders,” he said.
The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) and the state government have developed the “Hub and Spoke” model in collaboration, Sudhakar said. “What this means is that NIMHANS will act as a hub and the PHCs (Primary Health Centers) in all districts will act as spokes to work together to address the increasing mental health issues. At the PHCs, we are trying to train MBBS doctors to identify and counsel patients with mental health needs,” he added.
