Publication

Abstract : The paper discusses planning mental health services in disaster-affected population in low-resource settings. Disasters, both natural and artificial, are not uncommon in the modern world. Mental health problems are common in a disaster-affected population. Disaster often traumatizes and devastates the affected population badly, also damaging the available resources. Planning mental health services include assessing the needs, accessibility of the area, available resources and their mobilization, and coordination with the local authorities and policymakers. Mental health professionals need to take a prompt initiative and leadership role. The author discusses his own experience in planning such a service in Kashmir in November 2005 following a massive earthquake which affected the state on October 8, 2005. Role of the National Disaster Management Authority of India in the management of disasters is also briefly discussed.