TMH and MTMC host annual psychiatry conference
Jamshedpur, Sept 9: The Department of Psychiatry at Tata Main Hospital (TMH) and Manipal Tata Medical College (MTMC), Jamshedpur hosted 21st annual conference of the Indian Psychiatric Society of Jharkhand State Branch (JASCON 2023) today. This is the third time that Jamshedpur has been honoured with hosting this prestigious event.
Under the theme “Psychiatry for undergraduates”, this year’s conference addressed the critical role of healthcare in treating mental health conditions. Recognising that well-trained medical professionals are essential to this mission, the focus was on undergraduate medical students, the primary stakeholders in the healthcare system.
With September 10 being observed as “World Suicide Prevention Day.” This added significance reinforced the need for the Psychiatric Society to convene, raise awareness, and discuss mental health, well-being, and suicide prevention with students.
JASCON 2023 served as a vital step toward achieving these objectives.
To enhance awareness among students, quiz and scientific sessions on psychiatry were conducted on September 8-9, featuring guest faculty from renowned institutes.
On September 8, a quiz competition took place, involving undergraduate medical students from four medical colleges in Jharkhand, including AIIMS Deoghar, RIMS Ranchi, MTMC Jamshedpur, and MGM Medical College Jamshedpur.
The main event on September 9 consisted of academic sessions tailored for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
The program commenced with an inaugural ceremony, with Dr Manoj Sahoo, Head Consultant and HOD Psychiatry at TMH and Associate Professor & Head of Psychiatry at Manipal Medical College Jamshedpur, extending a warm welcome to esteemed guests.
The Chief Guest for the inaugural function was Dr Sudhir Rai, General Manager Medical Services, Tata Steel, while the Guest of Honour was Dr G Pradeep Kumar, Dean of Manipal Tata Medical College, Jamshedpur. Distinguished guests like Dr Vinita Singh, Chief Medical Indoor Services at TMH, and Dr Mamata Rath Dutta, Chief Medical Support Services at TMH graced the occasion. The event also saw the presence of Dr Avinash Sharma, President IPS Jharkhand State Branch, Secretary IPS State Branch Dr Alok Pratap, senior members of IPS Jharkhand State Branch and doctors from TMH and Manipal Tata Medical College (MTMC).
Chief Guest, Retd Air Vice Marshal Dr Sudhir Rai reiterated the importance of a robust psychiatry curriculum and mental health of MBBS students in his speech. Guest of Honour offered valuable insights and encouragement to the students. Additionally, the inaugural function included the installation ceremony of the incoming President of IPS Jharkhand State Branch, Dr Manoj Kumar Sahoo, by the outgoing President, Dr Avinash Sharma.
Students had the privilege of attending enlightening academic sessions on mental health and well-being conducted by experts in the field. Dr Pratap Sharan, Professor of Psychiatry at AIIMS New Delhi, shared insights on “Psychological Wellness of Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students,” providing coping strategies and guidance on maintaining well-being.
Later in the evening, a panel discussion, “Strengthen Undergraduate Psychiatry to Strengthen Psychiatry,” featured professors from AIIMS Bhubaneshwar and Central Institute of Psychiatry (CIP) Ranchi. The discussion generated valuable ideas and perspectives on medical education at the undergraduate level and the growth of psychiatry.
The conference concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr Mahesh Hembram. More than 100 delegates from across Jharkhand attended the conference, fostering the exchange of ideas and knowledge about mental health and well-being.
