Chandigarh
3 April 2025
DIVYA AZAD
The Department of Community Medicine and Department of Psychiatry, GMCH-32, Chandigarh, did the community launch of National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) 2 at Sood Bhawan, Sector-44-A, Chandigarh. This nationwide survey is funded by the National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) Bengaluru and supported by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India.
The event was presided by Chief Guest, Mayor, Harpreet Kaur Babla, Director Principal Prof. A K Attri, Medical superintendent Dr G P Thami, State Nodal Officer Dr Ajeet Sidana, Various councillors, Representatives of various NGOs, Local leaders and faculty along with staff from GMCH-32.
A key highlight was the extensive Interaction with Councillors where esteemed experts Dr. Priti Arun, Dr. Dinesh K. Walia, Dr. Ajeet Sidana, Dr N K Goel and Dr. Sonia Puri engaged in discussions on mental health trends and policy implications. Councillors actively interacted pertaining to their areas’ mental health challenges and suggested various things for improving those.
The arrival of the Chief Guest marked the beginning of the Lamp Lighting Ceremony for invocation to the goddess Laxmi for blessings, symbolizing the official community launch of NMHS 2. This was followed by a Welcome Address by Dr. Sonia Puri, the principal Investigator, an Address by Prof. A.K. Attri, Director Principal, GMCH-32 and Honorable Mayor Smt. Harpreet Kaur Babla.
Dr Sonia Puri, Associate prof. Deptt of Community Medicine highlighted that National Mental health survey 2 is a nation-wide survey which is being done in various states . The National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) 2 is a critical initiative aimed at generating updated data on mental health trends across India. In Chandigarh, Union territory, GMCH-32 has been given the responsibility for doing this survey. In this, the field staff would be visiting the houses of Chandigarh and people would be interviewed pertaining to their mental health issues. As compared to NMHS-1 which was done in 2015-2016, NMHS-2 is being done after a decade, in which data would be taken in a more detailed form. The insights from this survey would help policy makers in formation of innovative and new need based mental health policies catering to the community.
She requested for cooperation from various sectors like administration, Directorate of Health services, Department of social welfare, Councillors, NGOs, key eminent persons and community at large to make this survey in Chandigarh a success.
The Mayor of Chandigarh, Harpreet Kaur Babla, delivered a keynote speech, underscoring the significance of mental health awareness and evidence-based policymaking. She strongly suggested the support on behalf of councillors and administration which was applauded by the house.
A crucial moment of the event was the Launch of IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) Material, aimed at enhancing public awareness and mental health literacy.
The event also featured a Felicitation Ceremony, where distinguished guests were felicitated for their contributions to mental health initiatives. Dr. Dinesh K. Walia delivered the vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to all stakeholders. The program concluded with the National Anthem.
