Siena:Minister for Health and Food Safety Nisha Mehta has emphasized the government’s dedication to enhancing mental health services. She stressed the importance of making these services more accessible, affordable, and effective, ensuring that no one feels neglected or humiliated when seeking assistance.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister Mehta made these remarks at a program organized by the Ministry of Health and Food Safety on World Mental Health Day 2026. She reaffirmed that mental health remains a top priority for the government.
Minister Mehta stated that the government aims to create an environment where citizens can openly discuss mental health issues, receive timely support, and live with dignity. She highlighted the necessity of a robust legal framework to expand mental health services and announced that a concept paper on mental health had been approved by the Cabinet.
She assured that the government would proceed with drafting legislation based on the approved framework. Furthermore, she emphasized the importance of eliminating barriers to accessing appropriate mental health care, advocating for easier access to a range of services from early intervention to specialized care.
During the event, Minister Mehta pledged to advance government initiatives to prioritize the allocation of beds for mental health services in hospitals with more than 100 beds and to improve the overall management of these services.