Fri Sep 05 19:38:07 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article based on the provided text, aiming for a concise and informative style:
**Smaller, Distributed Facilities Needed for Chronic Mental Illness Care, Expert Argues**
**CHENNAI –** India needs smaller, more localized mental health facilities focused on chronic care, argued psychiatrist and author Dr. Anirudh Kala at the third Keshav Desiraju Memorial Lecture Series on Friday. Instead of large, antiquated asylums, Dr. Kala advocated for institutions with no more than 100 beds that are distributed throughout communities and equipped with modern spaces.
During a conversation with former Union Health Secretary Sujatha Rao, Dr. Kala emphasized that many patients with chronic mental illnesses do not fully recover and often have nowhere to go. “Push them out, and they will be on the streets,” he stated, underscoring the need for dedicated long-term care options.
Dr. Kala also lamented the low prioritization of mental health within India’s overall healthcare system. He highlighted that only 1% of the country’s already limited health budget (1% of GDP) is allocated to mental health.
He also warned of emerging mental health challenges like technology and processed food addiction.
In his keynote lecture, Dr. Kala discussed the lasting impact of historical trauma on mental health, drawing from stories of the Partition of India. He noted the lack of dialogue and support for those affected by the mass displacement and violence of the Partition, which he believes contributed to later psychiatric issues.
The lecture series was organized by The Banyan and Cognizant Foundation.
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