Barriers to mental health care access in Nepal

Med Leg J. 2023 Mar;91(1):54-55. doi: 10.1177/00258172221141293. Epub 2023 Jan 18.

Abstract

Mental disorders are stigmatised in Nepal. There are many instances where mentally ill people are tormented by their family members and society and where patients with mental illness are shackled and kept under house arrest. Physical illness attracts early medical care, but not mental illness. There are no asylums for patients suffering from mental illness. The Nepalese government must prioritise it as a serious health issue and allocate more money and take steps to tackle the stigma and deficiencies associated with it.

Keywords: Mental health; mental illness; stigma; superstition, Nepal.

MeSH terms

  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders* / psychology
  • Mentally Ill Persons*
  • Nepal
  • Social Stigma