Minister calls for counselling to check suicide by weavers, ryots

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, APRIL 7. The need for checking a chain of suicide by farmers, weavers and students through counselling was stressed by the Health Minister, Dr. S. Aruna, here on Saturday.

She was speaking at a function organised by the Directorate of Health to mark the World Health Day with the theme, `Mental health-stop exclusion, dare to care', at the Institute of Mental Health here. The Minister said the issue of counselling should not be politicised like it was the case when the Civil Supplies Minister, Dr. N. Janardhan Reddy, had advocated. Counselling was essential for getting over depression that forced people to develop suicidal tendencies.

Recognising the need for weaning people away from the blind beliefs like `banamati' that is largely practised in Telangana districts, the Government is including awareness programme against it in the coming Janmabhoomi, she noted.

She said a plan would also be drawn to train doctors and paramedical staff of primary health centres in all districts, in extending preliminary treatment to the mentally challenged persons and involve the community. This would be on the lines of the successful community-oriented programme implemented in Medak district by the IMH.

Mr. C. Arjuna Rao, Special Chief Secretary, Medical and Health department, too, laid emphasis on replication of Medak experiment in other districts and on taking preventive steps. Dr. K. Krishnamurthy, Superintendent, IMH, said people have several misconceptions about mental illness and added there are several psychiatric drugs which could cure even chronic cases. "We need to help the mentally challenged persons to overcome the problems of stigma, shame and exclusion".

Dr. Gowri of IMH spoke on the `Medak experiment' and Brahmakumari Uma spoke on the importance of meditation in tackling stress and depression. Dr. K. Jayapal Reddy, Director of Health, and Dr. T. Venkateswara Rao, Director of Medical Education, also spoke. The Minister later released an audio cassette, `Andariki aarogyam', (Health for all), having tips on diseases and their prevention, brought out by Dr. V. Vishnu Rao.

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Section  : Southern States
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