Minister assures more attention to mental health issues
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, October 10 2011:
The Government of Manipur would be taking necessary steps for paying more attention to the issues of mental health in the State, Health and Family Welfare Minister L Jayantakumar has assured while speaking at the occasion of World Mental Health Day observance at Nupi Lal Complex here today.
Speaking as chief guest at the function held under the joint aegis of Manipur State Mental Health Authority, Health Department and Indian Psychiatric Society, Manipur Branch, Minister Jayantakumar said that mental health is important for healthy living and for this there should be necessary facilities for treatment of mental health problems.
So, the Government would be taking up necessary steps to ensure such facilities in Manipur.
Presiding over the function, Additional Director of Health Services Surchandra Sharma pointed out that there has been no hospital in the State for treatment of mental health problems.
But there is a psychiatric unit in JNIMS today.
Nonetheless, a proposal has been submitted to the Government for construction of a mental hospital at Keirao.
Steps have been taken up for construction of a mental hospital at Lei-Ingkhol, Chingmeirong but the site has been taken over by the Government in connection with development of Capital project.
He also pointed out that the number of clinical psychologists in Health Department is not adequate and more Psychiatrist doctors is wanted.
So, there is the need for appointment of more staff.
Moreover, there is the need for more awareness on issues related mental health in the State.
Head of Department of Psychiatry, RIMS Prof N Heramani, Additional Director (Planning) of Health Services L Surchandra Singh and retired Prof M Akshaykumar were also present and spoke at the function as Guests of Honour.