The Medical Department organised one-day orientation and workshop on June 11 at the Conference Hall of the CMO Office, focusing on the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) and National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP).

District Health Officer Dr. Farhana Iqbal welcomed religious leaders and emphasized the critical role of mental health awareness within the community. Psychiatrist & Drug De-addiction Specialist Consultant from SNM Hospital, Dr. Tashi Tundup, delivered a comprehensive presentation titled "Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: Uniting Communities for Mental Health." He discussed distinctions between physical and mental illnesses, community involvement, causes of mental disorders, and highlighted statistics on Severe Mental Disorders (SMD) versus Common Mental Disorders (CMD).

State Nodal Officer of NTCP, Dr. Rinchen Angmo, and District Consultant, Dr. Stanzin Jamyang, addressed the increasing threat of cancer and shared insights from their school-based initiatives. President of Anjuman Imamia, Ashraf Ali Barcha, stressed early diagnosis and treatment for improved health outcomes.

State Nodal Officer for NMHP, Iqbal Ahmad, urged collaborative efforts with the Health Department to tackle community mental health issues. He informed participants about free counseling services available through Telemanas and acknowledged the pivotal role of community leaders (Gobas) in raising awareness.

The workshop fostered extensive dialogue among officials, officers, Gobas, and stakeholders, underscoring the collective responsibility in effectively addressing mental health and tobacco control challenges.

Attendees included President of Anjuman Imamia, Ashraf Ali Barcha; President of Anjuman Mayinul Islam, Dr. Abdul Qayoom; religious leaders; District Health Officer, Dr. Farhana Iqbal; State Nodal Officer of NTCP, Dr. Rinchen Angmo, and community leaders (Gobas).