The second decade of our journal’s publication starts with many things new. A new editor and assistant editor, and a new working editorial board. New national and international editorial advisory boards will help develop the journal as a platform for discussion on third world medical ethical problems. A new layout which is easy on the eye.
We hope these changes reflect a step forward in our efforts to produce a high quality journal, Â and welcome our readers’ comments.
Two articles in this journal debate issues raised in a writ petition in the Supreme Court. Is it unethical to administer electroconvulsive therapy without anaesthesia in India? What are some other questions faced by mental health professionals? A third article describes the difficulties encountered by women victims of domestic violence when dealing with the mental health profession. Finally, a report from a voluntary organisation in Kolkata gives an account of human rights violations in mental institutions. all these papers pose questions on the manner in which the mentally ill are treated by our health system.
We are also introducing a section by and for medical students and hope this section will attract other student contributions.
Finally we pay tribute to B N Colabawalla and Malini Karkal, activists and professionals who leave behind a major legacy of work which has had a lasting impact on Indian medical ethics.