The state government has instructed health facilities to develop a daily action plan regarding the treatment of patients suffering from mental illness. The health commissioner’s office has stated that no mentally ill person, regardless of their COVID-19 treatment should be refused.
“Individuals with mental illness who develop a moderate to severe COVID-19 infection warranting hospitalization…should be admitted to designated COVID-19 hospitals (DCH)/beds without prejudice and they should receive the same treatment. DCH physicians will ensure that regular medications for mental illness are continued,” the order says.
He added that medical schools, mental health teams or mental health professionals will need to provide non-pharmacological interventions such as counseling and psychotherapy.
“Given the unique challenges posed by people with mental illness in managing the COVID-19 pandemic, designated COVID-19 hospitals should expand their resources, if necessary, and accommodate them without undue referral to other care facilities. medical attention,” the order said.
“All District Health and Family Welfare Officers, Mental Health Program Officers along with District Mental Health Program (DMHP) Teams, Taluk Mental Health Program (TMHP) Teams, mental health of the District Hospital, the mental health teams of the medical school and the private MHE are here directed to carry out a daily action plan regarding mental health services in their respective workplace. Outpatient mental health services are considered essential services and must continue without interruption; however, along with face-to-face outpatient services, MHEs may also practice telephone consultation, telemedicine services, and electronic prescribing under existing telemedicine guidelines,” the order added.
District health facilities have been asked to plan ahead if there is a need to purchase psychotropic drugs through funds from the District Mental Health Program (DMHP) or the National Fund for Free Medicines. All mental health facilities (MHEs), including private ones, along with all medical colleges, district hospitals, taluk hospitals, community health centres, primary health care centers and sub-centres, have been asked to ensure the adequate supply and maintenance of stocks of essential psychotropic drugs and their dispensing to patients.
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