Webinar on World Mental Health Day held in Shillong

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 9, 2020

Drawing focus on mental health issues, particularly in the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic which has impacted every aspect of life globally, a Webinar on World Mental Health Day was today organised by the Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority in its Video Conferencing Room, Shillong.

Shri. N. A. Khan, Member Secretary, Meghalaya State Legal Services Authority delivering the keynote address drew focus on the Mental Health Care Act 2017. Highlighting the provisions of the Act, Shri Khan informed that the Act aims at decriminalising the Attempt to Commit Suicide by seeking to ensure that the individuals who have attempted suicide are given the opportunity for rehabilitation from the Government. The Act also aims to empower persons suffering from mental illness and also safeguard their rights, along with access to healthcare and treatment as any other patient without discrimination.

The resource persons were Dr. Arvind Nongpuir, Assistant Professor and HOD i/c NEIGRIHMS who spoke on psychological impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health and Dr. Atul Ambekar, Professor, National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC), AIIMS, New Delhi who spoke on public mental health issues related to alcohol and drug use: legal and policy perspective.

The webinar saw the participation of representatives from Meghalaya Police, Social Welfare Department, Legal Care and Support centres, Para Legal Volunteers, Panel Lawyers, MIMHANS and District Legal Services Authorities.