Wokha, 10 October (MTNews): To commemorate World Mental Health Day, a program was organized by District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) Wokha at Dr Motsuo Memorial District Hospital Wokha on 10 October. Extending her greetings to the participants, Dr Asunu Thong, Consultant, DH Wokha said mental health involves everyone and emphasized on disseminating information on mental health among family, friends and colleagues.
During his exhortation speech, Dr Zubenthung Kikon, Chief Medical Officer Wokha highlighted the increasing number of patients in the district hospital and lauded the DMHP Wokha team for their effort. “The mental healthcare services available in our facility should be made known to the public,” he informed. He also suggested the need to sensitize the medical staff on mental health in order to enhance their efficiency and consistency in health services. Addressing mental health issues at an early stage can prevent significant challenges in future, he added.
Speaking on the theme ‘Mental Health is a Universal Right’, Dr Chikhrozho Kezo, Consultant, Psychiatrist and Nodal Officer DMHP Wokha said Mental Health day was initiated by World Federation for Mental Health in 1992 to create awareness and promote mental health. He said the public should have knowledge of rights under the law related to mental health. It is imperative to have good mental health and the post covid stress is an eye opener for mental illness, said Dr Kezo. He informed that according to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data, there are a total of 14 crores of psychiatric patients and 1 crore suffering from severe mental illness.
Short speech was delivered by Dr Rupert Peseyie, State Programme Officer, National Mental Health Programme on the Mental Healthcare Act and Telemanas. He emphasized on the goals of Telemanas to provide affordable and accessible mental health care. He gave a practical demonstration on the digital services provided by Telemanas. More information on Telemanas was provided by Likali Achum, Technical Coordinator, Telemanas.
Shanchobeni P Lotha, Panel Lawyer, Wokha District Legal Services Authority briefed the participants on Mental Healthcare Act 2017 and extended their support in further activities related to mental health. A brief report on DMHP Wokha statistics was presented by Lireni Tungoe, Psychiatric Nurse. Chairperson for the programme was Amenla Longkumer, Clinical psychologist DMHP