As part of the yearlong celebration of its 25th Anniversary, the Kohima Press Club (KPC) today visited the State Mental Health Institute Kohima. The visitation is also part of the 79th Independence Day Visitation of Institutions/Homes, which the Club carried out prior to Independence Day on August 14.
Giving a brief introduction, Vishü Rita Krocha, General Secretary of Kohima Press Club, expressed that this year’s visitation is particularly significant as it is one of the activities marking the yearlong celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Kohima Press Club, which will be observing its 25th foundation day on January 20, 2026.
She extended her best wishes to the SMHIK on behalf of the Club and also acknowledged the caregivers, who have been providing the best possible care despite the many challenges that they are confronted with.
The Kohima Press Club also contributed essentials to the State Mental Health Institute Kohima, that currently has 6 patients including one female and five males.
During the interaction with the media, Dr. Nuvotso Khesoh, Senior Medical Officer, State Mental Health Institute, Kohima (SMHIK) remarked that the media plays a very important role in creating awareness on mental health, breaking stigma and acceptance. “We really need your support in our journey of care and hope for these patients”, he stated.
Inspite of many challenges, he also said that, “we have made some positive contributions” while highlighting the facilities and services being provided at the SMHIK including the Tele-MANAS Cell Nagaland, the kitchen, new dining hall, library, conference hall and hospital staff canteen all of which have been initiated to give a more humane environment for the patients.
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Suyimtenla Jamir, Clinical Psychologist, Tele-MANAS Cell Nagaland, SMHIK also highlighted about the inception of the oldest and the only State Mental Health Institute that dates back to the 1960s and was later officially inaugurated in 1977.
Speaking about the Tele-MANAS service which anybody can avail by dialing a toll-free number:14416, she said that the service is free and is kept confidential.
While our people generally seek religious institutions first for any mental health related issue, she said that they are also seeing a steady rise in people breaking social barriers and coming forward to avail services at the SMHIK. “Instead of segregation, we are seeing a collaboration”, she stated.
Tele-MANAS has registered very high case relating to exam stress and relationships. SMHIK is also conducting a lot of awareness programmes and has hosted hundreds of interns at the Institute.
