By: Dr. Mohd. Aleem Siddiqui M.D.,D.P.M. ( Associate Editor-ICN Group )
LUCKNOW: The World Health Day is celebrated across the world every year on 7th April under the aegis of World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO is celebrating World Health Day every year on 7th April since 1950. On this day attention of masses is drawn towards the importance of global health.
World Health Day celebration focuses on increasing the life expectancy by adding better health in the lives of people by promoting healthier concepts of living habits. The theme of World Health Day 2018 is: “Universal health coverage: everyone, everywhere”. The slogan for this year is “Health for All”.
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.Mental health is a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential. With better mental health one can cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively & fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to their community.
Mental illness accounts for 13% of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) all over the world with depression being the leading cause. In India, the overall number of Indian population suffering from any mental morbidity is approximately 18 crores for lifetime and 13 crores for currently. There is a huge treatment gap with regard to mental illnesses. A simple definition of the treatment gap is the number of people with an illness, disease or disorder who need treatment but do not get it when it is requested.
Overall, only 1 out of 10 people who are suffering with mental health disorders receive evidence based appropriate treatment in India. Access to essential quality care and financial protection not only enhances people’s health and life expectancy, it also protects people from epidemics, reduces poverty & the risk of hunger, create jobs, drives economic growth and enhances gender equality. Findings in a recently conducted nationwide survey (National Mental Health Survey-2016-NMHS) has suggested that there is an overall treatment gap of 83% for any mental health problem for and 86% substance use disorders (addiction; drug use).
In this context Indian Psychiatric Society plays an important role in improving mental health services in India by providing technical, scientific and manpower support for last many years.
Department of Psychiatry, KGMU also contributes in this cause by providing quality mental health services in its OPD and emergency services. The department has trained number of medical professionals in mental health care under District Mental Health Programme.
A meeting on World Health Day on 7th April, 2018 is being held at Fairfield Marriot Hotel, Lucknow. Top Office bearers of Indian Psychiatric Society-President Dr. Ajit Bhide from Bangluru, Vice President Dr. Mrugesh Vaishnav from Ahmedabad, Secretary Dr. Vinay Kumar from Patna and Hon. Treasurer Dr. Mukesh Jagiwala from Surat, and Direct Council member Dr. M Aleem Siddiqui from Lucknow are attending this meeting. The meeting is being organised by Prof. P.K. Dalal, Head, Department of Psychiatry, KGMU, Lucknow.
