GMC Jammu, UNICEF organise conference on Child Mental Health Awareness
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The Department of Psychiatry at Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu, in collaboration with UNICEF, successfully organized a one-day conference titled Child Mental Health Awareness: Bridging the Gap today. The conference aimed to foster awareness and initiate meaningful discussions on addressing child mental health issues in the region.
The event was inaugurated by Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, Principal of Government Medical College Jammu, who also delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and intervention in child mental health. Dr. Pawan Malhotra, Principal of ASCOMS Medical College Jammu, graced the occasion as the special guest. The event also witnessed a vote of thanks from Dr. Manoj Kumar Chalotra, Medical Superintendent of the Government Psychiatric Diseases Hospital, who expressed his gratitude to all distinguished guests, speakers, and participants for their valuable contributions.
The conference was organized under the leadership of Dr. Manu Arora, Organizing Chairman and Head of the Department of Psychiatry at GMC Jammu, along with Dr. Rakesh Banal, Organizing Secretary. Dr. Abhishek Chauhan and Dr. Preeti Kour served as Joint Organizing Secretaries. Dr. Arora provided an insightful overview of the Child Guidance Welfare Clinic (CGWC), a vital initiative aimed at supporting child mental health in the region. He highlighted the clinic’s role in raising awareness and providing essential support to children and families in need.
The scientific program of the conference featured lectures from prominent experts in the field. Dr. Abhishek Chauhan, Assistant Professor at GMC Jammu, delivered a lecture titled An Overview of Mental Health Problems in Children. His presentation focused on the importance of early identification and intervention for mental health issues, emphasizing that many mental health challenges in children remain unnoticed until they begin to impact overall development.
Jasmin Kour, Clinical Psychologist, presented a session on Psychological Interpretation: A Holistic Approach to Child Mental Health Issues, shedding light on the role of psychological support in addressing mental health challenges in children. Shalini Sharma, Member of the JJ Board, discussed Establishing Community-Based Associations for Mental Health Support, highlighting the importance of creating local support systems for children facing mental health issues. Dr. Preeti Kour, Senior Resident at GMC Jammu, and Miss Rakshandha Thakur also spoke about the significant contributions of CGWC in raising awareness about child mental health in Jammu. Dr. Ronika Sharma, Director of CRC Samba, discussed Addressing Mental Health for Children in the Education System, stressing the role of schools and educators in recognizing and addressing mental health challenges among children. The conference also addressed the legal aspects of child mental health, with Dr. Sheetal Manhas, Member of the JJ Board, providing valuable insights into the legal frameworks surrounding children with mental health issues.
The event concluded with a valedictory function where Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, Principal of GMC Jammu, appreciated the successful organization of the conference and the active participation of all experts, healthcare professionals, and delegates. Dr. Gupta reiterated the importance of continuing efforts to spread awareness about child mental health and building stronger community support systems. He emphasized that such initiatives are essential in breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and ensuring better care and opportunities for children facing mental health challenges.
The conference marked a significant step toward bridging the gap in child mental health awareness and support, setting the stage for further initiatives to enhance mental health care infrastructure for children in Jammu and surrounding regions.
