Sri Vijaya Puram, Mar. 17:A Consensus Workshop was organized as part of the Second National Mental Health Survey (NMHS-2) by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences (ANIIMS) in collaboration with National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, and supported by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. The workshop brought together key Administrators, Researchers, representatives from various Departments such as Health, Social Welfare, Education, and Tribal Welfare, as well as mental health practitioners and representatives from NGOs working in the field of mental health, to discuss strategies for strengthening the mental health system in the Union Territory.
Ms. Vandana Rao IAS, Secretary (Health), A&N Administration, who presided over the workshop as the chief guest, appreciated the dedicated efforts of the research team and field investigators for successfully conducting the survey across the geographically challenging islands. She emphasized that mental health is an essential component of overall health and highlighted the importance of evidence-based data in shaping policies and programmes. She also assured the Administration’s continued support in strengthening mental health services, infrastructure, and human resources in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Dr. Girish N Rao, Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Principal Investigator of NMHS-2 from NIMHANS, presented the perspective from the nodal agency, highlighting the national significance of NMHS-2 and its role in guiding mental health policy and service delivery nationwide.
Shri. Rashid Alam, Member Secretary, State Legal Service Authority, Director of ANIIMS, Director of Health Services, representative from the Department of Social Welfare, Department of Education, Department of Health, Department of Tribal Welfare, Anti – Narcotics Control Bureau, A&N Police, Administrative Officer of Composite Regional Centre Brookshabad, District Child Protection Officer, mental health professionals, representatives from Guru Ki Rasoi (NGO),Ration Rasheed Foundation(NGO), WITH YOU (NGO) shared their valuable insights and recommendations for strengthening mental health system services in the A&N Islands.
