Pune: Mukul Madhav Foundation (MMF) and Finolex Industries jointly conducted a training programme on mental health at Symbiosis Distance Learning Centre in Pune, recently. A team from Concern for Mental Health, UK, comes to India every year and conduct workshop to train primary health care physicians, psychologists, nurses, special teachers, health visitors and other mental health professionals. This year, a total of 115 attended and trainees were awarded certificates on completion by the World Psychiatric Association.
Dr Ghazala Afzal, Founder Chairperson, Concern for Mental Health and Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, said that there is a developmental perspective and a good distribution of therapy in mental illness.
“There are a very few child psychologists in India and hence we felt the need to bring our learnings to enrich the group here in advanced training,” said Dr Afzal. Dr Mohan Agashe who presided over the event as the guest of honour enlightened the audience with new ways in which therapy can be given to those suffering from mental illness.
“We must communicate to students and caregivers what we learn from patients. Visual media plays a greater role than print media. One must watch nutritious and meaningful films than junk entertainment,” said Dr Agashe.
Ritu Prakash Chhabria, Managing Trustee, Mukul Madhav Foundation, said that the training of caregivers, nurses, psychiatrists and other professionals in the field of mental health can contribute immensely.
“Keeping this in mind, we have been sustaining and continuing this training since 2014 by inviting expertise from the UK and grateful for their acceptance and sharing their knowledge. Last year, prior to inviting Concern for Mental Health team, the faculty from Sassoon General Hospital provided preliminary training to 222 primary Zilla Parishad School Teachers over two days to identify students with problems in mental health. 40 children have been identified with mental problems and have been referred to the Civil Hospital for further diagnosis and investigations,” said Chhabria.
