[image: TAcWaNYBX519XnJu7mKcn64Icw2HmfnHDPP9ORym6RB7L9A4Tf7IqciUXVsWtC93jUUJl0RIVNWtPxHwLWTzSJf_Mg=s512] <img src="http://bit.ly/CholbeNa"; alt="Nurse in State run custodial care institution about to attack unarmed inmate with a stick"/>
Dear representatives of NHRC (mental health quality of care programme) / MOHFW / MSJE / West Bengal SHRC, depts of Health & Social Welfare, This has recently taken place at a State mental health institution in West Bengal. That's not to say that people living in mental health institutions are the only victims of such abuse of authority. From homes for people with intellectual disabilities to state run orphanages, a stick seems to a be a standard, menacing presence in any custodial care institution. Many civil society initiatives have proved with transparency, an acceptable ETHICAL standard of care despite the same difficulties with need, crowding, resources (both human and funding) as Govt institutions. It is soon going to be 10 years after Ervadi. Of PIL WP 334/2001 that is desultorily dragging on. Years of ignoring a Supreme Court order (with guidelines of service delivery that would largely suffice for ANY generic care facility / service. Not mental health facilities alone). It would be too easy for the Government to shift responsibility and say NGOs must provide this service if they can do it better. This is happening with increasing frequency with core welfare areas. An NGO's role is of providing choice. Not of providing essential services. Of showcasing an alternative model - to proving a better or different way exists. Please find below the whistleblower's message. We look forward to an effective and efficient resolution of this chronic violation of rights. Sincerely, *Vaishnavi Jayakumar* *+919003088388* P.S. I don't know the name of the violated person. I do think your online complaint mechanism should allow for such situations too...lest the most vulnerable and voiceless are left out. As always. *Who is of 'unsound mind'? The Inmate? or the Nurse in this picture? > **A call to citizens as whistle blowers! > **What do we do in this situation? > **How do we respond to this atrocity meted out towards persons with mental > illness in institutions? > **Dear Heads of Institutions - You are being watched! > **What is your answer to this? > **Lack of Infrastructure? Lack of beautification? No Computers? > **OR that these people need to be beaten up as a 'dawai'? ( Medicine/ > Therapy) Answer! > **We need Answers! Now!* * * STOP the swagger stick! DO AWAY with the danda! LOCK UP the lathi-wielder! *We want action! Now!* -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Mental Health Advocacy (News 'N Views) India" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/MhaNewsViewsIndia?hl=en ------------- Affiliated Groups : MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY INDIA [email protected] Discussions on mental health law / policy / plan monitoring / human rights etc [email protected] India-specific news and views related to mental health [email protected] Information and support to carers of people with mental health issues [email protected] Mutual support and sharing of experiential knowledge, skills and social learning amongst peers
