World Mental Health Day which is part of the celebration of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav was today organised by the District Legal Services Authority, South West Khasi Hills District at Mawlangwir village.
Secretary of the District Legal Service Authority, E Shabong said that the programmed was celebrated with a view to draw attention towards mental illness and the impact it had on people’s lives. She also informed that the mental health care act 2017 which has received the assent of the President is an act which provides for mental healthcare services for persons with mental illness sand to protect, promote and fulfill the rights of such persons during delivery and for matters connected therewith or incidental hereto.
She also dwelt at length on few provisions of these rights and said that every person with mental illness shall have the right to live with dignity, protected from cruel inhumane treatment, be part of and not to be segregated from the society and should be provided with free treatment, support and legal aid treatment. She therefore urged upon all to support and treat such persons with respect.
Psychiatric Social Worker, W. Marwein informed the gathering that the district mental health care has been launched since the October 10, 2019 for the mentally affected person. She said that free medical treatment and counselling will be provided for those afflicted with such illness.
Marwein said that mentally sick people should not be stigmatized but should be well treated and respect and if any person sees a mentally ill person who has been abandoned by their families or relatives and in need of help and assistance to contact the 24×7 Helpline No. 96128-89267.
P. Sangma Deputy Superintendent of Police, Mawkyrwat also spoke on the occasion.
