Government Neglects Mental Health Despite Supreme Court Orders and Rising Cases
Summary
Mental health services in Nepal remain underfunded and poorly implemented despite Supreme Court orders to strengthen policy, staffing, and coordination at all levels of government. Officials and advocates say most patients still lack access to treatment as cases rise nationwide.
Key Points
- The Supreme Court ordered the government to revise mental health policy, create dedicated structures at federal, provincial and local levels, and expand staffing and services, but the directives have not been fully implemented.
- Advocates and health officials say mental health remains underprioritized, with limited budgets, weak mechanisms, and no effective community-level rollout of services.
- The National Human Rights Commission and experts warn that millions of Nepalis are affected by mental health conditions, while only a small share receive treatment.
- Health Minister Nisha Mehta says drafting a mental health law remains a government priority, but practical implementation has lagged.
