A policy to address social care and mental health issues through community involvement was approved by the Meghalaya cabinet on Tuesday.
Conrad Sangma, the chief minister of Meghalaya, claims that the northeastern state is the third in the country to have a complete policy on mental health and social care. This strategy will guarantee adequate attention to mental health, particularly for children, adolescents, and youth.
The cabinet meeting, called by the chief minister, approved the Meghalaya Mental Health & Social Care Policy. The other two states in the nation with identical policies are Kerala and Karnataka.
“We strongly feel that mental health issues are often neglected, and a comprehensive policy was required to address the issue. This policy will ensure that proper attention is given to mental health, particularly for our youth and adolescents.” CM stated.
This is an effort by the Meghalaya government to improve the psychological and general social well-being of the people in light of the pandemic’s emphasis on the need to design an inclusive and robust institutional response, especially for vulnerable groups.
The Meghalaya government unveiled its first-ever proposal, “State Mental Health and Social Care Policy,” on World Mental Health Day, October 10, to promote overall mental health and well-being and facilitate appropriate access and care routes for mild to severe mental health difficulties.
The current Meghalaya State Capability Enhancement Framework includes the Mental Health and Social Care Policy, which is the product of many iterations involving many stakeholders.
James Sangma, the health minister for Meghalaya, also announced this development and said, “The policy is culturally rooted in the state and looks to address the stigma linked with mental health. The policy is also community-centric and will improve recognition, rehabilitation, and reformation, which are necessary for creating awareness and building support systems.”
To promote equitable mental health and social care for all, the Meghalaya Mental Health and Social Care Policy takes into account the social determinants of mental ill-health and cultural security, which would be fostered through collaborative engagement with communities.
As part of a collaborative proposal towards problem identification and solving in the area of mental health, this approach included all concerned departments and agencies. The strategy will be put into practice by departments and policies coming together, while also improving community institutions, including infrastructure, financial assistance, and human resources.
