Under the aegis of National Legal Services Authority (NLSA), the Tuensang District Legal Services Authority (TDLSA) and District Mental Health Program, District Hospital (DH) Tuensang organized a marathon to commemorate World Mental Health Day on October 10. The mental health awareness event was held under the theme, “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.”
The marathon started from District Hospital Tuensang to Clock tower via PHED, DEF return via NST, St. John to DH Tuensang.
Dr. Senilo Magh, SMO, DMHP, flagged off the marathon with a brief speech where he spoke on the importance of mental health and common disorders such as anxiety, panic disorder and depression. He emphasized on coping strategies and coping skills to boost mental health.
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Retainer lawyer P. Herola, spoke on the Indian Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 (MHCA 2017) which was passed by the government in 2017 to cater to the needs of the millions of Indians requiring help. Highlighting the key provisions of the Act, Herola said, “This act is a law designed to provide mental healthcare services and protect the rights of individuals with mental health illness. The key aspects include the right to affordable and quality mental healthcare without discrimination, the rights to information, confidentiality, access to medical records and legal aid while establishing mental health review boards to regulate the sector.”
She encouraged the district legal services authority under NALSA to ensure that legal services are responsive and accessible to the legal and social needs of persons with mental illness.
Earlier, a short awareness program was held at DH Tuensang chaired by Muthiam, front office PLV, TDLSA, while the welcome address was delivered from Yangkhumla, Clinical Psychologist, DMHP. The vote of thanks was delivered by Ayangla, panel lawyer TDLSA.
The program witnessed the participation of 130 youth, with felicitation to five individuals winners in both male and female category.
