Setting Up of National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation

• In the Twelfth Five Year Plan there is a scheme for establishment of a National Institute for Mental Health Rehabilitation.
• The Government has already initiated action to set up the Institute in consultation with National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore.
• The proposal is at a nascent stage.
• There are many causative factors of mental disabilities, including malnutrition, infection, for e.g. Encephalitis or Meningitis; injury to the brain during delivery etc.
• National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities (National Trust) is running `Aspiration` an early intervention programme to enhance capabilities and help children achieve as many crucial milestones as possible, with therapy and social education, prevent secondary impairment and modify and adapt the social and physical environment.
• 79 Early Intervention Centres have been set up in the country.
• National Trust and National Institute of Mentally Handicapped conduct training programmes for Capacity Building of Non-Governmental Organizations in providing early intervention techniques.