Thank you for publishing the beautiful and true story of Ujeli (#19). Jan Salter deserves many many thanks from all of us. This is not the only story with a happy ending. We have provided our service to more than 500 mentally ill patients in the last six years. Over 65 patients picked up from the streets have been reunited with their families.

We also have stories with not-so-happy endings. Mentally ill patients, even after getting treatment, relapse very often due to irregular medication and inappropriate cooperation from family and community. Patients often end up back on the streets. Who is responsible for this? Does this mean we always have to seek out people like Jan all the time or do we change our attitude and pay a little more attention to improve the situation of the mentally ill by social, financial and moral support? A small part of the money spent in Nepal for fashion shows, building temples and shrines, sporting events could at least help buy medicines and food and allow the mentally ill to live more decent lives. But who is ready to make that beginning?

Prabhat K Pradhan
Maryknoll Nepal/Aasha Deep