Minister Poudel bats for effective intervention on mental health issues

Kathmandu, May 15: Minister for Health and Population, Pradeep Paudel, has said mental health issues were emerging as serious challenges, so the government was mulling effective policies and programs on it.

During a discussion held at the ministry on Thursday, Minister Poudel said the mental health issues were on the rise of late, warranting adequate attention from the related sectors. He shared that the government was for expanding the workforce in this sector.

As the minister informed, duplication in the activities on mental health would be wiped out and cooperation with national and international organizations bolstered to address this serious challenge. “The mental health issue will affect a huge number of people if it is not addressed on time. So, we’re moving for a strategic approach,” he reminded.

According to him, efforts were on in collaboration with the Education Ministry to include psychosocial counseling and mental health in the school curriculum to promote mental health education among children. Even a campaign on the ‘school health rapid program’ will be launched, and the existing ‘school nurse scheme’ will be expanded.