Mental Health Patients Deserve Dignity and Legal Rights: DLSA Secretary

Mental health awareness programmes were organised across various blocks and villages of Gumla district on the occasion of World Mental Health Day, with a focus on protecting the rights of people with mental health conditions and ensuring their access to free legal aid.

The programmes were jointly organised by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Gumla, and the District Mental Health Centre under the direction of Ajit Kumar Singh, Principal District and Sessions Judge-cum-Chairperson of DLSA, and the guidance of DLSA Secretary Ram Kumar Lal Gupta.

As part of the initiative, a special awareness programme was held at Shanti Niketan in Urmi. The programme highlighted the importance of mental health, the need for sensitive treatment of people experiencing mental health conditions, regular medical care and the protection of their legal rights.

DLSA stresses dignity and access to justice

Addressing the programme, DLSA Secretary Ram Kumar Lal Gupta said mental health was as important as physical health and that people experiencing mental health conditions deserved respectful and compassionate treatment.

He said society should support such individuals rather than isolate them, adding that providing appropriate treatment, care and assistance was a collective responsibility.

Gupta emphasised that people with mental health conditions had the same right as other citizens to live with dignity and exercise their legal rights. He also highlighted the importance of informing them about free legal aid and access to justice, urging those in need to seek assistance through the DLSA.

Shambhu Singh, a member of the Permanent Lok Adalat, called for greater social sensitivity towards mental health issues. He said discrimination against people experiencing mental health conditions should be avoided and stressed the need to help them remain connected with the wider community and lead dignified lives.

Doctor stresses regular treatment and medical monitoring

Dr Sharib Ahmad of Sadar Hospital appealed to people residing at Shanti Niketan who were receiving treatment for mental health conditions to take their prescribed medicines regularly.

He said a team of doctors would continue to examine them periodically to monitor their health and provide medical assistance as required.

The programme aimed to improve public understanding of mental health, raise awareness of the legal rights of affected individuals and encourage a more supportive and inclusive social environment.

Those present included Neel Kusum Lakra, staff members of the institution, Para Legal Volunteers Rajesh Singh, Prem Kumar Shah and Tetru Oraon, and Prakash Pandey from DLSA, among others.