His Excellency, the Governor of Mizoram Vakkom Purushothaman inaugurated a two day Workshop on Mental Health at Mizoram Assembly Annexe Conference Hall today. This workshop is jointly organized by Mental Health Programme, Directorate of Hospital & Medical Education, Health & Family Welfare, MSACS and the Department of Psychology,MizoramUniversity.

This two day international workshop will have a special focus on substance use disorder, how it affects mental health and preventive as well as remedial measures.

The Governor expressed his confidence that in a world where mental health is becoming a significant issue, the deliberations would create greater awareness on the contributory factors responsible for the increase in mental health problem, and action to be taken by government, society, families and individuals. Emphasizing on the importance of collective action, the Governor commented that Mizoram is fortunate to have the services of the Church and various NGOs besides the Government.

The Secretary of Health & FW Department Esther Lal Ruatkimi chaired the inaugural programme. Rev. Aneurin Owen, Ex-Director of CAIS-The Drugs & Alcohol Agency inWalesdelivered the keynote address. Rev. Aneurin Owen and Dr. R.L. Sanghluna fromSynodHospital, Durtlang gave a lecture on the subject.