Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 15 (UNI) Kerala Health Minister P K Sreemathy today told the Assembly that the government was proposing to make a change to the existing system of 'shock treatment' for treating mental patients.

Replying to queries by Mr K Ajith and others, she said the government would discuss the issue with experts in this field for replacing the cruel method of treatment with counselling.

Ms Sreemathy said steps would also be taken to impart training to nurses working in mental health institutions on counselling methods.

Stating family members hesitated to take mental patients back home even after they had recovered, due to stigma, the Minister said the government would take all measures to rehabilitate them.

Stating that effective medicines and treatment were available in Ayurveda, she said the government would examine how the traditional methods of treatment could be effectively used.

The Health Minister also said the government was seriously considering an awareness campaign at school and college level to reduce mental depression among students. The matter would be discussed with the Education Department.

UNI