http://www.indianjpsychiatry.org/article.asp?issn=0019-5545;year=2010;volume=52;issue=7;spage=389;epage=395;aulast=Thara;type=3
This article discusses the role of NGOs in filling the gap left by the governmental sector in mental health treatment facilities and psychiatrists. There are scarce mental health resources, particularly in rural areas , northern states and among the socially disadvantaged. NGOs are advantageous because of the quality of care and they reach out to populations that are discriminated against. NGOs usually target a specific population and work primarily in urban areas but are starting to spread to rural communities. NGOs have long been active in childhood metal health, and in the 70s and 80s started to work more in substance abuse programs. The authors state the strengths of NGOs are: working in partnerships, innovations in practice, and transparency in administration. The problems include sustainability, accountability and scope. They conclude while the NGO effort as made progress, it has not had an impact on a national scale so they recommend that NGOs partner with the government to address mental health in India.
I found this article interesting because there are so many issues, in all countries, that may not be as apparent on a daily basis, such as hunger, health care, water access, employment. Even here mental health is often the invisible health concern, often either stigmatized or ignored. The recommendations, in more detail in the whole article, giving recommendations to the NGO community to partner with the government I think is very relevant to all of us looking to work in the international field. In particular, the recommendation that NGOs should have representation in governmental committees and task-forces I think is important. This would help NGOs have a voice in decisions and also raise their status as an important player in health care, not a gaggle of unprofessional do-gooders.
Extra India event: Photography exhibit documenting India's water crisis
http://www.roosevelt.edu/GageGallery.aspx
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