‘Create a society with compassion as norm, mental health as a right’ Says Arunachal Pradesh Governor K T Parnaik

OUR CORRESPONDENT

Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (Retd) K T Parnaik on Friday exhorted the people to build a society where compassion is the norm, and mental health care is not a privilege but a right.

Handing over a cheque of Rs 30 lakh to the owner of Deepak Nabam Living Home, a destitute shelter place, at Raj Bhawan here, the governor said that with the right care and opportunities, mentally ill individuals can recover, grow, and even thrive.

 The cheque is a grant in aid under the Mukhya Mantri Manasik Swasthya Yojana Society of the state government. Parnaik commended the outstanding work of the Home, recognizing it as a remarkable example for others to follow, a Raj Bhawan communiqué informed here.

He said that the compassionate organisation has devoted itself to caring for and supporting individuals with mental challenges, offering a sanctuary for those who have been marginalized.

He described their steadfast dedication to empowering these individuals, and fostering a sense of belonging and purpose, as both inspiring and vital.

The governor highlighted that mental health frequently remains an overlooked aspect of overall well-being, burdened by stigma and misconceptions.

“This neglect causes hardship not only for individuals directly affected but also for their families, communities, and society as a whole,” he said and emphasised that fostering an environment that promotes mental wellness is a collective responsibility. It is not solely the task of the government or organisations but a shared obligation, he added. He urged everyone to work together to break the stigma, offer support, and ensure inclusion for those facing mental health challenges.

State health commissioner Pawan Kumar Sain informed that Deepak Nabam Living Home is the first halfway home registered under the State Mental Health Authority.

Periodic inspection and the recommendation of the halfway home are carried out by the State Mental Health Authority. All inmates are registered at State Mental Hospital, Midpu, he said.

Sain further informed that one mental health camp would be organised on December 30 by the Mental Health Department at Deepak Nabam Living Home, where free check ups would be done for more than 300 patients.

In addition to the camp, the health commissioner said that free neuro psychiatric medicines would be supplied by senior psychiatrists and medical officers at the same venue.

Psychiatrist & Consultant of Tele Manas state cell Dr Sasha Sain, state programme officer of mental health Dr Hannya Payee, coordinator Dr Yijum Tato and wife of Deepak Nabam Pratima Nabam, were present on the occasion, the communiqué added.

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