(Image source from: First Mental Health Policy})

Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan launched the mental health policy on the occasion of the first ever National Mental Health Day organized by the government on Friday.

The policy's objective is to provide universal access to mental health care by enhancing understanding of mental health and strengthening leadership in the mental health sector at all levels.

The new policy is backed up by the “Mental Health Action Plan 365” which spells out specific roles for the Centre, States, local bodies and civil society organizations.

Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan said universal access to mental health care is a specific goal of the government, and it would find substantial articulation in the evolving National Health Policy and National Health Assurance Mission (NHAM).

Aw: Arun kumar