World Mental Health Day 2020 observed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 10 2020: World Mental Health Day 2020 was observed today at the hall of Indian Medical Association (IMA), Lamphelpat under the theme 'Mental Health for All: Greater Investment - Greater Access' .

The programme was organised by the National Mental Health Programme, National Health Mission, Manipur.

Speaking as the chief guest of the function, Health & Family Welfare Director, Dr K Rajo said that measures will be taken up to establish one Mental Hospital in the State, soon.

Stating that the proposed hospital will be built at a cost of Rs 48 Crore under North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS), he added that the COVID -19 pandemic is hindering the project.

World Mental Health Day 2020 observed

As per Mental Health Index, one in every 20 people has a mental health issue and according to the National Mental Health Survey of 2015-16, approximately 15 percent of the State's population is afflicted by mental illness, Dr Rajo added.

He continued that stress, depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, dementia and drug abuse are some of the mental health disorders that are common in the State.

Many people are also facing increased levels of physical and psychological stress amid the pandemic due to fear of contracting the disease, loss of loved ones, economic uncertainty etc, Dr Rajo said and continued that extending psychological support to COVID patients and their families is also imperative.

Lauding COVID-19 Psychological Support Team for their service to the State at this difficult time, he urged the State Government to fund the team, furthermore.

Health Services Additional Director, Dr P Shyamsundar and Dr Sashikumar Mangang also attended the programme as president and guest of honour respectively.

Umathel, Kakching
The Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS), Manipur State Branch observed World Mental Health Day at Umathel, Kakching district, today.

In a statement issued today, the society maintained that problems related to mental health are growing each passing day in the State.

It pointed out that there are not enough facilities for diagnosing mental illness in the State.

The release also stated that at least one in every four people in the world will be affected by mental disorders at some point in their lives as per the report of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Around 450 million people currently suffer from the aforementioned conditions, placing mental disorders among the leading causes of ill-health and disability worldwide, it added.

The release continued that observing this World Mental Health Day is of paramount importance as people are going through unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19 pandemic.

It then appealed to the State Government and authority concerned to establish a mental hospital in the State.

A health camp was also organised as part of the programme.