Imphal, October 10: Health Minister DK Korungthang has announced to set up a mental hospital within JN Hospital complex very soon.

Speaking as chief guest during World Health Day observance under the theme 'Building Awareness-Reducing Risk of Mental Illness and Suicide' at GM Hall today, lamented absence of any mental hospital in the State.

Disclosing that a mental hospital of which 75 percent of building construction has been completed was aborted following certain contentions about the plot on which the hospital was built, the Health Minister said that a new mental hospital would built within the JN Hospital complex very soon.

Observing that most of the people lack genuine concern for persons suffering from mental disorder or illness, he noted they must be given due care and timely treatment.

He also observed that the incidence of taking a person suffering from mental disorder as some one who has gone totally insane and as someone who cannot be treated at all is more prevalent in rural areas.

He remarked that a patient of mental illness should never be discriminated nor ostracised from society.

The families of such patients should give up all kinds of superstitious beliefs and consult qualified doctors in time.

In his presidential speech, chairman of Manipur Pollution Control Board N Biren conveyed apprehension of increasing cases of mental disorder and depression in view of the prevailing restless atmosphere and volatile law and order situation in the State.

He disclosed that a considerable number of people particularly youths, though they were born mentally sound, are suffering from mental disorder and depression because of the tense atmosphere prevailing in the State and constant harassment and intimidation by security forces.

Biren conveyed serious concern over the increasing number of depressed and mentally afflicted youths in the State.

He noted that even though the Government is responsible for the law and order situation, many innocent persons are bearing the brunt of its volatile nature.

Due to the absence of a mental hospital in the State, many patients of mental disorder are being lodged in prisons under some fabricated pretexts, Biren stated that the State Health Department need to pay special attention to the patients of mental illness kept in prisons.

He further appealed to all the people to give company and treat mental patients with a firm belief that their ailments could be cured with proper treatment.

Today's observance of World Mental Health Day was graced by Superintendent of JN Hospital Dr W Mohilal as guest of honour.

The key note address of the observance organised by the Manipur State Mental Health Authority was given by the senior psychiatrist of JN Hospital Dr L Surchand.

Comment