Secretary of the Karnataka State Mental Health Authority Dr H Chandrashekar said that the state government has established the Mental Health Task Force under the chairmanship of well-known psychiatrist Dr K A Ashok Pai.
He told reporters on Monday that the objective of the task force is to make Karnataka a model for mental health care in the country.
The task force aims to create awareness among the masses about mental health. It plans to hold camps for alcoholics to abstain from the habit and set up rehabilitation centres. Rehabilitation centres will be opened in all districts for those suffering from mental problems. An anti-suicide force and a helpline will also be started, he said. Chandrashekar said that the task force will identify symptoms of mental diseases at primary stages and extend treatment to the needy. It will inspect facilities at mental health centres across the state. Teachers will be trained under the school mental health programme.