Abstract
The history of psychiatry as a discipline in Nepal has been poorly studied. We have attempted to summarise historical landmarks to explore how it began and its evolution over time in relation to contemporary political events. Although Nepal has achieved several milestones, from establishing a psychiatric out-patient department with one psychiatrist in 1961 to having more than 500 psychiatric in-patient beds with 200 psychiatrists by 2020, the pace, commitment and dedication seem to be slower than necessary: the current national mental health policy dates back to 1996 and has not been updated since; there is no Mental Health Act; the number of psychiatric nurses and in-patient psychiatric beds has increased only slowly; and there is a dearth of professional supervision in rehabilitation centres. Thus, despite making significant progress, much more is required, at greater intensity and speed, and with wide collaboration and political commitment in order to improve the mental health of all Nepali citizens, including those living in rural areas and or in deprived conditions.
Highlights
Nepal is one of the developing nations in South Asia, bordering two rapidly growing economies, China to the north and India to the east, west and south
Most (78.6%) people live in villages and rural areas which are often deprived of specialist healthcare, including mental health services
In 2016, an estimated 30% of the Nepalese population suffered from psychiatric problems, but over 90% did not have access to mental health services.[3]
Summary
Nepal is one of the developing nations in South Asia, bordering two rapidly growing economies, China to the north and India to the east, west and south. Most (78.6%) people live in villages and rural areas which are often deprived of specialist healthcare, including mental health services.
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