National Mental Health Program

Goal: Protection and promotion of mental well beingof Bhutanese citizen

Objectives

To reduce the burden of mental disorders, alcohol and drug dependence
To reduce treatment and care gap for mental disorders
To increase awareness and reduce the stigma &discrimination against mental illness.

Mandates

To formulate/update policy and plans for the National Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Control Programme.
To disseminate the mental health policy and generate political/social and funding support.
To ensure provision of effective mental health care services to needy Bhutanese citizen
To support and encourage the reintegration of persons with mental disorders, alcohol and drug dependence in to all aspects of community life, thus improving their overall quality of life.

Functions of the Program

To build the capacity of the health workers and relevant stake holders by providing trainings and refresher courses
To develop appropriate health education and information materials to enhance community awareness about mental health
To develop and update guidelines and treatment manuals for health workers.
To provide liaison with the Essential Drug Program (EDP) in DVED for adequate supply of psychotropic drugs.
To coordinate with other public health programmes and primary health care activities
To coordinate with other relevant stakeholders and funding agencies.
To monitor and supervise the program initiated activities
To record and report on mental health, alcohol and drug abuse matters
To carry out and coordinate operational research, evaluate programmes and activities

Focal persons