By TC News Desk
Agartala, 2nd August 2024: Tripura Health Secretary Kiran Gitte emphasized the crucial role of Community Health Officers (CHOs) in delivering high-quality health services at the grassroots level. During a state-level training session on the National Mental Health Program, Gitte lauded the dedication of CHOs in addressing mental health issues.
The training, held at Pragya Bhavan, Agartala, from July 29, was a collaborative effort between the National Mental Health Programme, the Department of Health and Family Welfare, and Goldman Sachs Mental Health Program of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuroscience (NIMHANS), Bangalore. The program, which concluded today, focused on building the capacity of 400 CHOs in mental health service delivery.
The event was attended by Prof. (Dr.) Pratima Murthy, Director of NIMHANS, Bangalore, and Prof. Nabin Kumar C, Head of NIMHANS Community Psychiatric Unit, who provided online guidance to CHOs on mental health issues.
The four-day program included insights from nine expert resource persons from NIMHANS, who worked to enhance the skills and knowledge of the CHOs. The training aimed to raise awareness about mental health, dispel misconceptions, foster open discussions, and improve mental health services and research.
Secretary Gitte underscored the importance of mental health, noting that increasing stress from modern life and various factors can lead to conditions such as anxiety, depression, and drug addiction. He highlighted the essential role of mental health programs in building a healthy society.
Gitte commended Tripura’s CHOs for their quality of service and their commitment to addressing mental health issues at the community level. He encouraged CHOs to address mental health concerns with empathy and positivity, and advised the public to engage in yoga and ensure adequate sleep to maintain mental well-being.
