Two-day long Multi-Stakeholder Consultation on Community Mental Health Programme concludes at Officers’ Club Namchi

Namchi, 20 March (IPR): District-Level Multi-Stakeholder Consultation on the Community Mental Health Programme was successfully concluded at the Officers’ Club in Namchi today.

This consultation was part of a two-day initiative organised by the Health & Family Welfare Department, Sikkim INSPIRES, under the auspices of the District Administration of Namchi, in collaboration with the Centre for Mental Health Law & Policy, Pune.

The event was graced by Deputy Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly Ms Rajkumari Thapa, alongside MLA of the Namchi Singithang Mr Satish Chandra Rai, DC Namchi Ms Anupa Tamling and SDM (HQ) Mr Nim Pintsho Bhutia

The primary focus of this consultation was the urgent need to integrate mental health services into primary healthcare systems. The discussion centred around reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues and ensuring that support services are both accessible and inclusive for individuals facing mental health challenges.

In their addresses, the dignitaries emphasised the significance of mental health as an integral part of overall well-being. They pledged full support for the implementation of community-driven mental health initiatives to ensure a more holistic approach to healthcare.

Following the speeches, experts and stakeholders engaged in meaningful discussions about potential policy interventions, community-based models, and strategies to promote mental well-being across society. These discussions are expected to contribute towards improving the accessibility and inclusivity of mental healthcare services in the region.

This consultation marks a pivotal moment in the development of an inclusive, supportive, and accessible mental healthcare system in Sikkim.

The programme also saw the participation of policymakers, healthcare professionals, and various stakeholders who gathered to discuss the future of mental health services in the region.