Manoj Sinha, the lieutenant governor of Jammu and Kashmir, stated on Wednesday that mental illness and drug addiction incidents had increased since the Covid pandemic in the UT.
The aftermath of the pandemic has left a lasting impact on people’s mental health, with individuals experiencing heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.
The isolation, fear, and economic hardships brought about by the health crisis have contributed to a surge in mental health disorders across Jammu and Kashmir.
The situation has worsened with a significant rise in drug addiction cases as people turn to substance abuse as a coping mechanism.
LG Sinha highlighted the need for increased efforts in drug prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation programs.
He stressed the importance of strengthening the existing support systems and engaging communities to combat the growing drug menace.
The administration is working towards expanding mental health facilities centers in Jammu and Kashmir.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha provided unwavering support to H&ME and IMHANS to address post-Covid mental ailments and drug addiction.
The LG ensured comprehensive assistance to tackle mental health and substance abuse challenges through H&ME and IMHAN.
In remarks at the Health Conclave held at the SKICC on the banks of Srinagar, the LG said that health care has advanced tremendously over the past three to four years at all levels, from primary to district level.
A significant amount of infrastructure for health care has been constructed across the UT, and patient care has improved, he said.
The introduction of new technical tools has allowed doctors to treat patients more effectively while also saving time, He added.
According to a report by IMHANS, which the LG cited, there has been a rise in drug abuse among young people as well as common and serious mental illnesses among those with mental illnesses following the Covid-19 pandemic.
The UT administration promised to stand behind H&ME, IMHANS, and medical professionals as they work to rescue the youth from anxiety and the destructive cycle of drug abuse.
He encouraged the H&ME department to start widespread education efforts at the Panchayat levels about how to avoid anxiety and combat drug addiction.
He claimed that the implementation of Tele-Mental Assistance and Networking Across States (MANAS) in the health sector of J&K will significantly aid in the fight against various mental diseases.
IMHANS Signs MoU with Tata Institute for Tele MANAS
In a significant development, IMHANS (Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences) has recently inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the prestigious Tata Institute.
The collaboration brings Tele MANAS, a cutting-edge mental health platform, to assist and counsel the youth grappling with mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.
Applauding the initiative, LG Manoj Sinha expressed confidence in its potential to make a substantial positive impact on the well-being of young individuals.
The Tele-MANAS initiative (Telemental Health Assistance and Networking Across States) was introduced by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in October 2022.
In particular, it caters to those who live in isolated or underserved locations by offering free, round-the-clock tele-mental health treatments throughout the entire nation.
A toll-free number is provided 24 hours a day for counseling services.
LG Addresses Healthcare Misconceptions
According to the LG, many individuals believe they can find whatever type of amenity they need in their communities.
“We have opened two new cancer institutes in Jammu and Kashmir where specialized treatment will be provided for the fatal disease.
Additionally, counseling for cancer prevention will be provided, he added.
The LG asserted that even while many hospitals have the necessary equipment, there are not enough staff members to operate it. “This must be addressed,” he stated.
He asserted that after 2019, J&K have seven hospitals, two AIIMS, eight nursing schools, two cancer institutes, and two bone and joint hospitals.
After careful consideration with the public and stakeholders in the Health and H&ME department, the LG recommended “structural changes.”
Associate professors shouldn’t be promoted to professorships and made principals automatically. He said there should be discussions on the subject.
The government in J&K has reportedly started ranking hospitals and departments, according to LG Advisor RR Bhatnagar, “Healthcare facilities will be much better in the coming years.”
In his remarks, Chief Secretary Arun Kumar Mehta predicted that J&K’s medical system would have a very bright future—if not the best.
It will be beneficial for the patient if their medical records, dating back to their birth, are digitalized, he said.
In addition to WHO experts and members from the J&K Health and H&ME department, representatives from Tata Memorial Institute also attended the event.
