Haryana, Directorate of Health Services observed World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10 with the theme “Creating Hope Through Action”.

• Chandigarh, September 10 – Haryana, Directorate of Health Services observed World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10 with the theme “Creating Hope Through Action”. A State level event was organised by State Mental Health Cell and was presided over by Director General Health Services, Dr. Veena Singh in presence of ADGHS & DHS (NMHP), Dr. V.K. Bansal.  Psychiatrists and Psychologists from 22 districts joined the programme.
• The first Continuing Medical Education (CME) of the year on ‘Suicide prevention & way forward’ was inaugurated by Dr. Veena Singh, DGHS, Haryana. She raised her concern about Mental Health receiving a huge setback because of COVID-19 pandemic which has changed the world, she added. She elaborated that the World Suicide Prevention Day aims to spread awareness about importance of life & suicide not being the solution to any problem.
• Talking on this issue she said “this is the first step to talk about mental health issues openly”. Thus, creating awareness, talking about the mental health issues, recognising the mental illness, getting treatment support & finally change in behaviour are some of the steps to be taken which can help us address the problem. Strengthening HR by training, upgrading skills through capsule courses can bridge the gap of mismatch between need & availability of specialists.
• Speaking on the occasion, ADGHS, Dr. V.K. Bansal, said that to strengthen the programme various steps have to be taken, like helpline calls to be attended personally by the Nodal Officers of District NMHP, tele-counselling of all the registered patients to detect the suicidal tendencies & address the root cause on time to prevent losing a precious life and organising talks in offices, schools, colleges to strengthen emotional well being and mental health.
• Dr. Aseem Mehra, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatrist, PGIMER Chandigarh gave an elaborate description of management of patients struggling with depression and suicidal tendencies with use of new technology. Dr. Shubh Mohan Singh, Additional Professor, Department of Psychiatry, PGIMER, Chandigarh shared his experiences and challenges faced in management of Mental Health issues. Dr. M.P. Sharma, Psychiatrist in CH Panchkula, shared the challenges faced by District Mental Health Programme.

Also See:

• Haryana Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation has provided financial
• Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal has accorded the approval of various amendments