Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (KD/AF)

Udupi, Apr 10: A state-level NGO meet on mental health was jointly organized by Indian Psychiatric Society state unit, Kamal A Baliga Charitable Trust and Udupi Psychiatric Society at Harady here on Sunday April 8.

Speaking on the occasion, Lokayukta N Santhosh Hegde said that the society should refrain from ill-treating the mentally challenged.  He expressed concern over the social stigma faced by the families of the mentally challenged persons.

He also released a cd on mental health on the occasion.

Department of health and family welfare deputy director of mental health Karur B V said that the union government has allocated Rs 1,200 crore for mental health project under the five year plan. Out of the allocated amount, Rs 1 crore each will be given to Shimoga, Uttara Kannada, Chamarajanagar and Gulburga districts, he said.

Indian Psychiatric Society president elect K S Karanth, president Sripati M Bhat, trustees of the charitable trust U R Acharya and Rajaram Baliga were also present on the occasion.