The Rajya Sabha today passed the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro- Sciences (NIMHANS) Bill, 2010. The Bill seeks to declare the Bangalore – based hospital as an Institution of National Importance.

Replying to a brief discussion, the Health Minister Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad shared the concern expressed by the members over the rising trend of mental ill – health among people in the country. He said that the government has already undertaken the screening of people suffering from Non – communicable diseases (NCD) including mental health.