Research has shown that mental health is one of the most neglected global health issues. In the country, experts say it is a forgotten topic. But Bhutan will be tabling mental health as one of the main agendas for discussion at the 75th Regional Committee Meeting of the World Health Organization. Bhutan will be hosting the meeting next month in Paro.
According to Health Minister Dechen Wangmo, Bhutan is approaching the issue holistically. Lyonpo said the country will look into all aspects to tackle mental health issues.
“On the treatment part, we will focus on providing services. Second, on the prevention part, we also want to develop a package of advocacy material, on how to prevent mental health issues,” Lyonpo said. “Thirdly, we are also thinking about looking at policies and legislation that are required to provide an enabling environment.”
Representatives from eleven member states will sit for the Regional Committee Meeting from 5th to 9th September. The RCM is the second highest decision-making body of the WHO. The meeting formulates policies and initiatives and reviews progress reports, and also adopts resolutions and makes decisions for the region.
“It’s an opportunity for Bhutan to champion the mental health cause in the region. Being tabled in the Ministerial Round Table as one of the main agendas gives a lot of focus on the issue,” said the Health Minister. “Secondly, we are also coming out with the Paro Declaration on mental health. With the consensus from member states, we will agree on certain things every member state must strive to achieve.”
According to the National Council’s review report on Mental Health Issues and Suicide in Bhutan presented in December of last year, more than 36,000 mental disorder cases and over 500 suicide cases have been recorded in the country in the last five years.
Kinley Dem
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
