Kathmandu : Minister for Health and Population, Pradeep Paudel, has said mental health issues were emerging as serious challenges, so the government was mulling effective policy and programmes on it.
During a discussion held at the ministry on Thursday, Minister Poudel said the mental health issues were on rise of late, warranting adequate attention from the related sectors. He shared that government was for expanding workforce in this sector.
As the minister informed, duplication in the activities on mental health would be wiped out and cooperation with national and international organizations bolstered to address this serious challenge. “The mental health issue will affect huge number of people if it is not addressed on time. So, we’re moving for strategic approach,” he reminded.
According to him, efforts were on in collaboration with the Education Ministry to include psychosocial counselling and mental health in the school curriculum in order to promote mental health education among children. Even a campaign on ‘school health rapid programme’ will be launched and the existing ‘school nurse scheme’ expanded.
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