No one should be deprived of human rights because of mental illness: Minister Basnet

Kathmandu, Oct 10: Minister for Health and Population Mohan Bahadur Basnet has said no one should be deprived of human rights because of the mental health problem.

In a message on the occasion of World Mental Health Day today, Minister Basnet mentioned that mental health problem should not be taken as a social stigma and that people suffering from mental illness should not be discriminated . 

He appealed to all stakeholders to make the mental health service affordable by creating public awareness about mental health. 

"I appeal to all to join hands in the task of ensuring everyone's access to mental health service through continuous coordination and collaboration among multi-sectoral and multilateral stakeholders in order to address the discriminatory behavior and abuse related with mental health", stressed Minister Basnet. 

He shared that protecting all the citizens from the risk of mental health and making mental health services accessible among all the citizens was the need of the hour, adding the government has given priority to collecting further investment and sources as there might be huge impacts in social and economic sectors due to mental health. 

As per a recent study, mental illness is seen in 10 percent of people, out of the people above 18 years, in Nepal.  Expressing concern over the increasing number of adolescents and youths suffering from mental health problems day by day, the Health Minister urged one and all to have a balanced diet, enough sleep, and regular exercise. (RSS)