Jamshedpur: A delegation of Jeevan, a centre for suicide prevention met state�s Principal Health Secretary Dr Nitin Madan Kulkarni and appraised him of a need for a ten bed ward in the department of psychiatry OPD at the MGMCH.
Representing Jeevan, founder Dr M Ram and director Dr JR Jain referred to the year 1982 when the National Mental Health Program was initiated wherein it was assigned that in every district a 10 bed Mental Health Ward would be set up.
Dr Ram and Dr Jain pointed out that the percentage of cases of suicide and depression in Jamshedpur was higher than the general percentage. As such, they contended that keeping the seriousness of the situation in mind, a ten bed ward for Mental Health is instituted at the earliest.
The Jeevan delegation pointed out that presently patients suffering from mental problems had to go to Ranchi for treatment but those with limited resources could not go there and were consequently denied proper treatment.
Dr Kulkarni agreed to the need of a ward and assured the delegation that positive action will be taken towards this end.
The efforts of Jeevan have resulted in awareness in schools. A Jeevan Award has been introduced and every year the award is given to schools that create a tension free environment in their institutions.
