ZCZC
BSS-25
MENTAL-HEALTH-DAY
World Mental Health Day tomorrow
DHAKA, Oct 9, 2020 (BSS) – The World Mental Health Day will be observed tomorrow in the country like elsewhere across the world.
The day is observed every year on October 10 across the world with various programmes for raising awareness on mental health.
The main theme of the day is ‘Mental Health for All: Greater Investment-Greater Access’.
On the eve of the day, President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages.
The government and non-government organisations have taken programmes including seminars and discussions to mark the day.
The head of the state, in his message, said like other diseases, there is a modern and scientific treatment for mental illness.
He said it is very important to provide family and social support to the mentally ill person.
He called for creating awareness among the people to avoid unscientific medical procedures while treating the patients in this regard.
The president said to ensure the mental well-being of the people, public and private hospitals, health centers as well as educational institutions need to take awareness programmes on mental health issue.
He hoped that the joint efforts of all will continue to build a healthy nation in future.
Sheikh Hasina, in her message, said the development of physical health as well as mental health is essential for building a better life and a happier prosperous country.
To this end, the government established the National Institute of Mental Health and Hospital in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka in 2001, which was a milestone in the advancement of mental health services, the premier said.
Various steps have been taken to make the people aware of this issue including expanding the field of research on mental health in the country, she said, adding that arrangements are being made to train the concerned including psychiatrists.
She added that the Awami League-led government is formulating and implementing a people-oriented health policy to ensure health services to the people.
Community clinics and union health centers have been set up across the country to bring health services to the doorsteps of the people, she said.
Poor people are getting 30 types of free medicines from these service centers, she added.
She said the government is working sincerely to provide all types of health services to the people including mental health services and to improve the mental health of the people of the country.
She urged all concerned to be more focused on creating untapped opportunities in mental health care.
BSS/PR/SRH/KU/1843 HRS