Dulali’s death sparks call for mental health reform

The death of a woman with severe mental health difficulties after being denied treatment at multiple hospitals has sparked calls for reforms to Bangladesh’s mental health system.

The issue was discussed at a consultation in Dhaka organised by the Innovation for Wellbeing Foundation and Heroes for All, said a press release.

Participants called for a “Treat First, Identify Later” emergency protocol and expanded mental health services, saying no one should be denied care because of homelessness, poverty or a lack of identity documents.

Mental health rights activist Musa Karim Ripon had campaigned for treatment for the woman, Dulali, who died on May 31.