‘Mental health’ of victims worries govt, to send teams

Even as the medical relief is being mobilised on the ‘‘war scale’’ for the tsunami victims, the authorities said they ar...

Even as the medical relief is being mobilised on the ‘‘war scale’’ for the tsunami victims, the authorities said they are also concerned about the victims’ mental state. Following the WHO advise on ‘‘mental health aid’’, the Health Ministry is sending 10 teams of experts to the affected areas.

Touted as the ‘‘first of its kind in the history of disaster management’’, the mental health experts would address psycho-social issues in the wake of the large scale loss of life and property in the areas. While the teams are likely to visit hospitals and camps, there would be special focus on women and children.

The government has already written to mental health institutes such as NIMHANS Bangalore, PGI Chandigarh and Chander Institute of Ranchi. The process is being coordinated by the Director NIMHANS.

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‘‘Though we still feel human compassion is more important, but mental health can be a problem in disasters like this. As medical relief and food has reached, mental health problems can be one of the the major after effects of such disasters. In complex disasters like these mental health aid is imperative,’’ said P.K. Hota, Secretary Health, ministry of health.

Each four member team will comprise of a psychiatrist, a sociologist, a senior student of psychiatry and a social worker.

According to the government officials the teams will be sent to Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry, initially to assess the needs in the area. According to the on-the-spot assessments more teams are likely to be send in the second phase.

This is aside from about 75 doctors, including 29 public health specialists, who have already been assisting the local health authorities in the affected coastal regions in the Andaman and Nicobar.

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