A very less importance is given in the field of health for mental health in comparison to physical health.  The policies to be adopted for the improvement in this direction are not considered as in the case of physical health.  Not only mentally retarded but also the drug addicts and drunkards are a loss to the society.  A Government policy to bring them back to the main stream is very much needed on the grounds of humanity and also to increase the resources of the Country.  

A policy made in this direction approved by the Cabinet of Kerala State today is commendable.  The policy suggests that the treatments for mental illness should start from the primary health centers making the mental hospitals and the Dept. of Psychiatric Medicines referral centers by upgrading them.  

The policy also suggests proper care should be taken in the treatments.  A research in this field should be encouraged for the prevention and cure of mental illness.  An awareness program among the general public about the mental illness also was suggested in the policy to be initiated.  

The policy wants that proper training programs to the doctors should be imparted at free of cost even if they come from public or private sector if they show their willingness to undergo the training.

AW-SriJa