Two-day training on mental health for Medical Officers concluded in Leh

Leh, May 8, 2024: The two-day hybrid-mode training for Medical Officers of Leh district under the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) concluded on May 7 at the Conference Hall, CMO office Leh.

Chief Medical Officer, Leh, Dr. Diskit Dolma along with State Immunization Officer, Ladakh, Iqbal Ahmad, addressed that the training aimed to equip medical officers with essential knowledge and skills in addressing mental health concerns in the region.

Psychiatrist and Drug De-Addiction Specialist, Dr. Tashi Tundup shed light on substance use disorders, outlining various substances and their harmful effects, along with preventive measures.

MD Psychiatrist, Dr. Samina Batool delivered a presentation on Mental Health Disorders, covering topics such as classification, causes, and identification of common mental disorders. Dr. Batool emphasized the importance of mental health first aid and provided practical guidance on approaching patients with psychiatric illness, including detailed history-taking and prescription writing.

On the second day of the training, Dr. Samina provided an in-depth guide on effectively approaching patients with psychiatric illnesses. She stressed the importance of thorough history-taking, conducting a mental status examination and crafting precise prescriptions. Additionally, she also briefed on psychotropic medications accessible at PHCs and CHCs.

Dr. Samina Batool proposed the establishment of a WhatsApp group comprising medical officers and psychiatrists to facilitate ongoing support and discussion on pertinent issues faced in the periphery.

Psychologist Mariyah Samreen offered valuable insights into stress management, highlighting the impact of stress on individuals and effective strategies for stress reduction.