The Marginalized
An event in the recent past has created shock waves in the national capital. The Noida sisters’, inexplicable decision to deprive themselves of food has made many wonder why someone would endure such misery and mental agony for an extended period time without seeking the necessary treatment. This event has certainly been very disturbing. Recent reports suggest that the sisters faced no financial hardship. The National Commission for Women (NCW) is seeking a report from the administration to better understand the underlying causes of this self-sequestered isolation and the subsequent illness. It is vitally important that this incident is not viewed in isolation but as a part of a much broader health care policy which seeks to alleviate some of the deficiencies which this unfortunate incident has brought to light. Depression continues to plague the lives of millions in the country. Way back in 2001, a World Health Organization (WHO) study concluded that one in four I...