Centre today came out with a new National Health Policy to deal with mental illness in the country.

Launching the policy in New Delhi, Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said, it aims at promoting mental health, prevent mental illness, de- stigmatization and ensuring socio- economic inclusion of person affected by mental illness.

He said,there is a need to increase access to mental health services for vulnerable groups including homeless persons in remote areas. The Minister said, a 365 day action plan has been incorporated to facilitate achieving the goals of the policy.

Dr Vardhan also announced developing mental health care institutes and hospitals on lines of National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore so that high quality services can be provided to treat mental illness.

Dr Vardhan said, around 20 per cent of the population is estimated to affected with any kind of mental illness which is a matter of great concern. He said, the government will bring a Mental Health Care Bill during winter session of Parliament.