After the Covid-19 pandemic, mental illnesses and drug addiction have increased in Jammu and Kashmir, J&K LG Manoj Sinha said at the Health Conclave in Srinagar on Tuesday.
Citing a study conducted by the Institute of Mental Health And Neurosciences (IMHAS), he said: “Post the Covid pandemic, mental ailments that include common mental disorders, severe mental disorders and drug addiction among youth have shown a surge.”
He said the Union Territory administration extends its full support to the Health and Medical Education (H&ME) department, IMHANS and doctors to pull youth out from anxiety and the vicious cycle of drug abuse. He urged the H&ME department to launch awareness campaigns at the grassroots about means to prevent anxiety and drug addiction.
He said the introduction of Tele-Mental Assistance and Networking Across States (MANAS) in J&K’s health sector is going to help in a big way to fight various mental health issues. He said it aims to provide free tele-mental health services all over the country round the clock, particularly to people in remote areas.
He said in the last three to four years, health care has improved a lot from the primary to the district level. “Patient care has improved, and massive health care related infrastructure has been set up across the UT,” he said. “New technological tools have been introduced that save time and help the doctors ensure the best possible treatment to the patients.”
He said two new cancer institutes, one each in Kashmir and Jammu, have been set up for the treatment of fatal diseases. He said after 2019, J&K got seven new medical colleges, two AIIMS, eight nursing colleges, two cancer institutes, and two bone and joint hospitals. RR Bhatnagar, advisor to the LG, said the government has started rating hospitals and departments in J&K. “Health care facilities will be much better in the coming years,” he said.