Awareness prog stresses on Mental Healthcare Act 2017
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 27 2018: A one day awareness programme on "Mental Health and Rights of Mentally 111 Persons", organised by Catherine Inbuon, Department of Social Work, IGNTU-RCM in collaboration with Centre For Mental Hygiene, Changangei, Airport road, Imphal West, was held at the office of Centre today.

A press release issued by secretary, Centre for Mental Hygiene stated that the programme was participated by parents of clients of Existence Half Way Home for Mentally 111 Persons to raise awareness amongst parents and family members on how to deal with problems regarding mental illness and its surrounding issues.

The awareness programme was attended by Advocate N Nongpoknganba and K Sujata Devi (Psycho Social Counsellor) as resource persons.

Speaking on the occasion, Advocate N Nongpoknganba underlined the recently enacted Mental Healthcare Act 2017 and stressed on how the first time in India, this Act has given due rights and dignity to people will mental illness.

According to this Act, persons with mental illness can now have free access to quality mental healthcare, free legal advice and their choice of healthcare without someone deciding for them, which was the case earlier.

"The best part is how efforts are being made to have insurance coverage for mentally ill persons thereby reducing huge financial burden", the press statement added.

Advocate Nongpoknganba also stressed on the need of youths to adopt a healthy lifestyle as many youths are engaging in substance abuse which directly affects their mental health.

Speaking on the occasion, K Sujata Devi also spoke on the need of family members to help when one is in need of addressing mental problems.

She laid emphasis on the need for the family members to understand the problems arising of mental health problems and importance of timely intervention.

An interaction session with the parents of the clients was also held.

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