The PEMA Secretariat observed the World Mental Health Day under the national theme, ‘Mental Health for All: A Multisectoral Approach for People-Centred Mental Health Care and Services.’

Stakeholders from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and Skills Development, Royal Civil Service Commission, Royal Bhutan Police, Schools under Thimphu Thromde, Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Sciences of Bhutan, CSOs and development partners including Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation, WHO and UNICEF gathered at Zhichenkhar this morning, to mark the day. Hon’ble Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering graced the occasion and delivered a keynote address on the national theme.

The event shed light on global and regional perspectives and emphasized the imperative for a multisectoral and multimodal approach to mental health care and services.

As a symbolic gesture of gratitude for Her Majesty’s continued leadership and blessings, the participants offered Zhabten for the wellbeing and longevity of Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen.

In view of the rise in infant abandonment and infanticide cases over the past few years, the Guideline for Prevention and Response to Abandonment of Infants was launched to safeguard and advance infant welfare, focusing on prevention and immediate response, with clear roles for key stakeholders.