The Richmond Fellowship Society (RFS-India), Lucknow, which focuses on psycho-social rehabilitation for individuals with chronic mental illness, celebrated its 20th annual day with a workshop titled “Caregiver’s Dilemma! What After Me?” The event addressed a pressing concern for caregivers—the future of their loved ones after they are gone.
Mental Illness: A Growing Concern
Dr. A.K. Agarwal, President of RFS-I and former Head of Psychiatry at KGMU, highlighted India’s mental health crisis. He stated that 13.7% of the population suffers from mental illness, with 2% experiencing severe conditions. He stressed the need for sustainable solutions. Mental health professionals and policymakers must support caregivers facing these challenges.
Experts Call for Mental Health Reforms
As reported by TOI, Psychiatrist Dr. Shashi Rai highlighted the growing concerns surrounding mental health issues. Senior psychiatrist Dr. Prabhat Sithole, former Head of Psychiatry at KGMU, underscored that every citizen has the right to protection from mental health disorders and access to high-quality care.
Former MLA Vidya Sagar Gupta urged the government to recognize mental health rehabilitation as an essential service. He emphasized the need to prioritize its implementation.
Commitment to Raising Awareness
Alok Saxena, Treasurer of RFS-I, reaffirmed the society’s dedication to eliminating stigma through awareness campaigns. He assured that RFS-I will continue working towards improving mental health care and rehabilitation.