Supreme Court Orders Gov’t to Expand Mental Health Services to Local Levels

Kathmandu: The Nepal mental health directive issued by the Supreme Court instructs the government to expand mental health services to local levels. This order comes after a writ petition highlighted the lack of prioritization in mental healthcare and difficulties patients face in accessing treatment.

Supreme Court Issues 12-Point Mental Health Directive

A joint bench of Justices Hari Phuyal and Nripadhwaj Niroula issued a 12-point order. It directs the government to integrate mental health services with community programs, health insurance, disability certification, employment support, and intergovernmental coordination.

The Court also instructed federal and provincial hospitals to hire psychiatrists, psychologists, mental health nurses, social workers, and psychotherapists. These hospitals must provide both outpatient (OPD) and ward-based services to patients.

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Equal Budget and Legal Reforms

The directive requires the government to treat mental and physical health equally in terms of infrastructure, resources, and budget allocation. Officials must dedicate annual budgets and draft a new specialized law to replace the outdated National Mental Health Policy of 1996.

Moreover, the Court emphasized community-based rehabilitation and reducing stigma. It instructed authorities to make discriminatory acts punishable by law. The directive also encourages promoting alternative therapies like Ayurveda and yoga. Mental health services must remain free from violence or torture.

Background of the Writ Petition

The order followed a writ petition filed by the National Mental Health Self-Reliance Organization, which demanded stronger legal protection and better access to mental health services in Nepal.

Overall, the Nepal mental health directive represents a major step toward improving patient access, legal safeguards, and nationwide awareness. It also strengthens the integration of mental health services with human rights standards in the country.