While India is still grappling with a health crisis, it is already on the verge of a silent mental health crisis. People from all walks of life have been affected by a myriad of mental health problems from mild to serious gravity, catalysed by the COVID-19 situation. While urban India has awareness, access to mental health professionals and related infrastructure, these elements take a backseat in rural India.
With a dual objective to address the mental health of rural people while making these services accessible and sustainable, Mpower, a pioneer in Indian mental healthcare announced its collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra to launch a rural community mental health project. The pilot mental health program will soon commence in Jalna district of Maharashtra and Mpower will closely work with 40 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) to aid the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP). During the launch which was held virtually, Mr. Rajesh Tope, Cabinet Minister of Public Health and Family Welfare, Government of Maharashtra, Mrs. Neerja Birla, Founder and Chairperson, Mpower, Dr. Sadhana Tayde Director of Health Services, Mumbai, Dr. Padmaja Jogewar, Joint Director, Non-communicable diseases, Health Services, Mumbai, Dr. Archana Bhosale, Jalna District Surgeon and Dr. Aparna Methil, Vice President Mpower were present.
The implementation of rural community mental health project will be three-pronged. Mpower will conduct extensive training programs and workshops along with the support of all the stakeholders, thereby increasing awareness levels. Mpower will provide high-quality clinical services delivered by trained Psychiatrists and Psychologists with the help of medical officers at all the PHCs. Mpower will create a cadre of trained people on mental health by community participation thereby boosting mental health care and overall support. Basis the learnings of the pilot project, it will be further replicated in other districts of Maharashtra.
During the launch, Mr. Rajesh Tope, Cabinet Minister of Public Health and Family Welfare, Government of Maharashtra said, ‘Changing lifestyles, competitive age are aggravating mental health problems. Corona poses a major mental health challenge. There is some awareness about mental illness in urban areas but more awareness programs need to be undertaken in rural areas. District Mental Health Program is being implemented in 34 districts of the state through the Health Department. Institutions like Mpower are going to help us strengthen it. While emphasizing on mental health, there is a need to increase the number of psychiatrists and psychiatrists.’
On this occasion, Mrs. Neerja Birla, Founder and Chairperson, Mpower said, “Mpower has been working in the field of mental health for the last several years. We observe, there is a dire need to create awareness in rural areas. For this, awareness activities, capacity building of the health system, training by experts, etc. will be implemented by our organization. After the success of the pilot project in Jalna district, the intention is to implement this project all over the state.”
During the event, the logo of the ‘Samvedana’ project was unveiled by the Health Minister Mr. Tope. Director of Health Dr. Tayde and Dr. Methil expressed their views, Dr. Bhosale delivered the vote of thanks while Dr. Ambrish Dharmadhikari, Head Mpower Foundation was the host of the event.
