Srinagar, August 5, KNT: The Central Government has informed Parliament that Jammu and Kashmir has around 120 psychiatrists and 40 clinical psychologists across government and private institutions, while mental health and addiction treatment facilities are now functional in all districts of the Union Territory.
Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said approximately 71 psychiatrists and 10 clinical psychologists are posted in government institutions, while counselling services are being provided through Addiction Treatment Facilities, District Early Intervention Centres, Government Medical Colleges and Tele-MANAS services operated through the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS), Srinagar.
The Ministry said Psychiatry Departments with Addiction Treatment Facilities are functional in Government Medical Colleges at Jammu, Kathua, Udhampur, Rajouri, Doda, Anantnag, Baramulla, Handwara and Bemina. District Mental Health Units or Addiction Treatment Facilities are also operational in district hospitals across Reasi, Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama, Budgam, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Kupwara, Ramban, Poonch, Samba and Kishtwar. IMHANS Srinagar continues to function as the Centre of Excellence for psychiatric care, training and manpower generation.
The Ministry further informed the House that the National Mental Health Survey-2, being conducted by NIMHANS, covers all States and Union Territories and includes studies on mental health related to disasters, climate change, children, women, elderly persons and other vulnerable groups.
The Centre said several measures have been initiated to strengthen mental healthcare in Jammu and Kashmir, including the introduction of MD Psychiatry at Government Medical College Jammu, integration of mental healthcare into the primary healthcare system, training of medical officers in community mental health, approval of psychiatrist posts under the National Mental Health Programme and expansion of digital mental health services through Tele-MANAS. [KNT]
