GMC Anantnag sees 1.9 lakh mental health patients in 5 years

Anantnag, Oct 10: Since the Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag became operational in 2019, approximately 1.9 lakh people have sought treatment for mental health issues.

"Over these 5 years, 1.9 lakh patients have visited the Psychiatry Department of the GMC Anantnag," Prof Ruksana Najeeb told Greater Kashmir.

She said that, on average, 110 patients visit the Outpatient Department (OPD) daily.

“Additionally, about 130 substance abuse patients seek treatment each day at the Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF),” Prof Ruksana said.

She also said that the indoor facility for substance abuse patients became functional two months ago, with a capacity to admit 60 patients in the Inpatient Department (IPD).

Prof Ruksana highlighted that the department was working to make Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) available for patients soon.

Head of the Psychiatry Department, Dr Mansoor Ahmad, said that the number of OPDs had significantly increased since 2019.

“Initially, we had only one Psychiatry OPD, but now we operate two, along with a separate OPD in the ATF for substance abuse patients. In total, we run 18 OPDs per week,” he said.

Dr Mansoor revealed that most patients seeking treatment suffer from anxiety and severe depression besides other mental health ailments.

He also emphasised the need for a comprehensive mental health institute in Anantnag to address the challenges in treating mental health issues across south Kashmir.

On World Mental Health Day, the department focused on the theme, ‘It is time to prioritise mental health in the workplace’ chosen in response to the increasing mental health issues related to work, especially workplace stress management.

The event aimed to promote mental well-being among workers and highlight the importance of a supportive work environment for fostering a positive and productive work culture.

The event opened with a welcome address by Dr Mansoor Ahmad, who discussed workplace burnout.

Dr Rukhsana underscored the crucial role medical professionals play in caring for diverse patients, often under challenging circumstances, and stressed the importance of prioritising mental health in professional settings.

Medical Officer at the ATF and Department of Psychiatry, GMC Anantnag, Dr Aafaq Hyder highlighted the mental health landscape in Kashmir, with a focus on drug use in south Kashmir.

Senior Resident at the Department of Psychiatry, Dr Muntaqueem-ul-Kousar shared strategies for managing workplace stress to foster a healthy nation with healthy minds.

A skit was performed by psychology interns, depicting workplace stress and its management to prevent the development of mental health issues when not addressed promptly.

Principal GMC Anantnag felicitated the interns who participated in the skit as well as the quiz winners.

The event concluded with an interactive session between the audience and mental health professionals, where experiences and insights on the importance of mental health in the workplace were shared.

Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychiatry, Dr Rehana Amin delivered the vote of thanks.