Lok Sabha Question No. 4601 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-03-28
Subject: Awareness Programme on Epilepsy
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Bhojraj Nag, Shri Chavda Vinod Lakhamshi, Shri Jaswantsinh Sumanbhai Bhabhor, Shri Khagen Murmu, Smt. Smita Uday Wagh, Dr. Rajesh Mishra

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA

## MINISTRY OFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4601 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28 TH MARCH, 2025

## AWARENESS PROGRAMME ON EPILEPSY

## †4601. DR. RAJESH MISHRA:

SHRI JASWANTSINH SUMANBHAI BHABHOR:

SHRI BHOJRAJ NAG:

SMT. SMITA UDAY WAGH:

SHRI KHAGEN MURMU:

SHRI CHAVDAVINOD LAKHAMSHI:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to improve access to affordable anti-epileptic medication and healthcare facilities for individuals diagnosed with epilepsy, particularly in rural areas of Maharashtra and especially in Jalgaon Lok Sabha Constituency;
- (b) whether the Government has identified any policy gaps in the availability of epilepsy treatment and support services, particularly in Maharashtra and Jalgaon and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) the details of these gaps along with the measures being considered to address them;
- (d) whether the Government plans to expand initiatives related to epilepsy awareness and inclusion to schools, workplaces and public spaces in the country particularly in Maharashtra and Jalgaon and if so, the details thereof;
- (e) if so, the manner in which these initiatives are likely to be implemented by the Government in Maharashtra, particularly in Jalgaon to benefit epilepsy patients and their families; and
- (f) the number of awareness programmes organised in Sidhi Parliamentary Constituency of Madhya Pradesh so far?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

(a) to (e) The Government of India has actively pursued to incorporate epilepsy and other neurological disorders into existing healthcare programs. The National and District Mental

Health Programmes have succeeded in prioritizing care for neurological disorders such as epilepsy and dementia.

Further, for providing affordable and accessible mental healthcare facilities in the country, the Government of India is implementing the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) in the country. The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) component of the NMHP has been sanctioned for implementation in 767 districts (including Jalgaon in Maharashtra and Sidhi in Madhya Pradesh) for which support is provided to States/UTs through the National Health Mission. Facilities made available under DMHP at the Community Health Centre(CHC) and Primary Health Centre(PHC) levels for all including elderly, inter- alia, include outpatient services, assessment, counselling/ psycho-social interventions, continuing care and support to persons with severe mental disorders, drugs, outreach services, ambulance services etc.

In addition to the above, the Government is also taking steps to strengthen mental healthcare services at primary healthcare level. The Government has upgraded more than 1.75 lakh Sub Health Centres (SHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Mental, Neurological, and Substance Use Disorders (MNS) have been added in the packages of services under Comprehensive Primary Health Care provided at these Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.

The Steps taken by the Government, under the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), to improve access to affordable anti-epileptic medication & healthcare facilities are as follows:

- i. To made availabile an essential list of psychotropic drugs, including commonly used anti-epileptic medications, through DMHP clinics functioning at District Hospitals, Community Health Centres (CHCs), and Primary Health Centres (PHCs).
- ii. Mental health services, including screening and management of epilepsy, are integrated into Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) to bring services closer to the community. Primary healthcare teams are trained to manage common neurological disorders, including epilepsy.
- iii. Regular training and capacity building of Medical Officers, Psychiatrists, Clinical Psychologists, Psychiatric Social Workers, and Paramedical staff are undertaken under to strengthen the diagnosis and management of epilepsy and related disorders.

The Government has taken steps under DMHP to promote awareness on epilepsy through regular community-based awareness activities conducted via Community Outreach, including in public spaces such as panchayats, community centers, and urban health posts. These campaigns focus on de-stigmatising epilepsy, encouraging early treatment, and educating the public about managing seizures.

(f) In Madhya Pradesh, 751 outreach sessions, 203 counselling sessions in schools, 343 counselling sessions in colleges and 51 Workplace stress management sessions were conducted as part of awareness programmes on mental health from April 2024 to December 2024. Various IEC activities were also conducted on observation of World Mental Health Day.

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