Launch of the WHO QualityRights capacity-building and guidance tools and discussion on Transforming services and promoting rights in mental health
(8 December 2017; WHO Headquarters, Geneva)
Statement by India
Delivered by Ambassador Virander Paul,
Deputy Permanent Representative
To begin with, on behalf of the Indian delegation, I would like to put on record our appreciation for the initiative of the Permanent Missions of Brazil and Portugal for organizing this meeting in collaboration with the WHO.
The launch of this WHO QualityRights report focusing on the important issue of mental health on the occasion of Human Rights Day signifies the importance we all attach to the subject. Mental health is a major concern worldwide. Any objective assessment on developments in the field of mental health will reveal that the quantum of research or progress in the field has been rather slow and a lot more needs to be done at all levels.
Violation of the rights of persons with mental health problems is a reality. Policies, programmes and services for persons with mental health issues should therefore have a rights-based perspective.
India is fully mindful of the fact that there is no health without mental health. We are accordingly committed to putting mental health as a foremost healthcare priority. And this strong commitment is comprehensively reflected in India’s Mental Healthcare Act 2017. India’s mental health policy is in consonance with the basic elements of the World Health Assembly Resolution 65.4 that was adopted by consensus at the 65th WHA in 2013. The Act protects the rights of persons with mental disorders. Every person has the right to access mental healthcare from services which are operated or funded by the Government. It focuses on community-based treatment and provides for special treatment for women. The aim is to destigmatise mental health and empowerindividuals affected by mental illnesses.
My delegationwill continue to actively engage in international deliberations on transforming services and promoting rights in mental health.
Thank you.
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