Delhi government to launch 4-tier mental health programme to promote holistic well-being

For the benefit of the holistic well-being of the people, the Delhi government is set to launch a 4-tier dedicated mental health programme. 

The programme will focus on the mental health issues of children, the working class and senior citizens by offering teleconsultation, counselling, OPD and a referral system where specialised psychiatric intervention, if needed, is provided.

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In a bid to tackle the rising cases of stress and anxiety across age groups, a comprehensive mental health programme under the AYUSH intervention will help people of all ages. Many people hesitate to speak about mental stress. Through this platform, they can reach out anonymously and seek help without fear or stigma, said Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh. 

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At a time when many are facing stress and mental health issues, from school children to senior citizens, this dedicated programme provides a helpline, and interested people can book a time slot to speak with a counsellor.  If the counsellor feels that in-person help is required, the case will be referred to OPDs at Ayush hospitals. There are currently four such teaching hospitals in Delhi: Karol Bagh, Defence Colony, Najafgarh and Nanak Pura.

The service will be anonymous, accessible and rooted in traditional systems of medicine including Ayurveda, Homoeopathy and Unani, he said, adding that this will be the first focused mental health initiative under Ayush and it will support people at every stage, from a phone call to a consultation, and even hospital-level care if needed, reported PTI. 

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