Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 13: On the occasion of World Mental Health Day 2019, De-addiction services in the Department of Psychiatry, A J Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre were launched by the vice-president of Laxmi Memorial Education Trust, Prashanth Shetty, October 10, 2019, by lighting the lamp in a function organized at the hospital. In his inaugural address, Prashanth Shetty applauded the efforts of the Department of Psychiatry towards the concerns of the society. He assured every possible support from the management towards the social obligations and mental health needs of a larger section of the population. He called upon the needy to make maximum utilization of facilities available at AJIMS and RC hospital.
Dr Ashok Hegde, dean, AJIMS and RC stressed the need for improving our mental health for developing good coping mechanism to withstand the stress. Dr Francis Monteiro, associate dean, AJIMS and RC graced the occasion. Dr Deepthi V H, assistant professor, Department of Psychiatry AJIMS and RC welcomed the gathering. Dr Ravish Thunga, HOD, Department of Psychiatry, AJIMS and RC explained the importance of prevention of suicide which is this year’s World Mental Health Day theme. Dr Kiran Kumar, professor, Department of Psychiatry AJIMS and RC explained the gathering about the importance of de-addiction services available at the hospital. Dr Neela, Department of Psychiatry, AJIMS and RC, Psychiatrist, compered the programme.
Social work Post Graduate’s from Manaswini performed awareness skits and mime shows under the guidance of Shashikala which were well appreciated. De-addiction services in the hospital will be offered by the department of psychiatry which included three weeks, two weeks and one-week package programme. Those who would like to avail the services can come to Psychiatry OPD during working hours. De-addiction services include detoxification, investigation, speciality consultation, counselling, psychosocial intervention, rehabilitation and recreational services.
Alcohol anonymous group meetings are also being organised in the hospital.