Delhi government to launch four-tier mental health programme for children, workers and seniors
In a bid to tackle the rising cases of stress and anxiety across age groups, a comprehensive mental health programme under the AYUSH intervention will help people of all ages, Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Singh said He said that the initiative -- aimed at promoting holistic well-being -- will focus on three key population groups: children, the working class and senior citizens.
The service will be anonymous, accessible and rooted in traditional systems of medicine including Ayurveda, Homoeopathy and Unani, he said, adding that this will be the first focused mental health initiative under Ayush and it will support people at every stage -- from a phone call to a consultation, and even hospital-level care if needed.
Many people hesitate to speak about mental stress.
Through this platform, they can reach out anonymously and seek help without fear or stigma, the minister said.
The programme will operate through a four-level structure starting from telephonic consultations, moving to mental health counselling, followed by OPD services at Ayush hospitals and a final referral stage in case specialised psychiatric intervention is needed.
The programme is especially significant at a time when stress is increasingly being reported among school children, with some showing early signs of aggression and anxiety.
Also, working professionals are burdened with high-pressure targets and a lack of work-life balance.
Women who juggle home and workplace responsibilities will also be covered within this group.
The elderly, too, face isolation and other age-related mental health challenges.
Under the plan, people can call a dedicated helpline and book a time slot to speak with a counsellor.
If the counsellor feels that in-person help is required, the case will be referred to OPDs at Ayush hospitals.
There are currently four such teaching hospitals in Delhi -- Karol Bagh, Defence Colony, Najafgarh and Nanak Pura.
If further care is necessary, the final level will involve referral to allopathic or psychiatric facilities based on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Functioning under the Delhi government's health framework, the AYUSH systems comprise Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
11 hours ago
- Time of India
‘60% women with infertility visit occultists than doctors'
Lucknow: A recent counselling-based observational study, involving about 200 women who are not able to conceive due to various reasons, conducted at the obstetrics and gynaecology departments of KGMU and RMLIMS, revealed a concerning trend. Nearly 60% of these women initially turn to occultist rituals instead of seeking medical advice. They come from all types of family backgrounds, whether upper middle class or lower middle class. Despite failing to conceive through such practices, many women further delay medical treatment by relying on herbal remedies and alternative therapies. Only when all other options fail do they finally seek hospital care, by which time valuable years may be lost, often impacting the chances of successful treatment. Faculty at the gynaecology department of KGMU Dr Sujata Dev, who conducted the study, said many women coming to the OPD admit to falling prey to blind faith, leading to delayed diagnosis. "The ideal age for childbearing is between 25 to 30 years. After 35, the risk of infertility increases and chances of successful conception decrease," she said. "Common causes of infertility include blocked fallopian tubes, which can be easily treated if detected in time. " The data shows that only 20% of women sought timely medical help, while another 20% relied on herbal and other traditional remedies before approaching hospitals. The remaining 60% admitted to initially believing in ritualistic practices or advice from occultists. Gynaecologist Dr Malvika Mishra from RMLIMS pointed out that infertility can have multiple causes, including hormonal imbalance, delayed marriage, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), fibroids and sexually transmitted infections. She said many couples waste crucial time due to superstitions, resulting in emotional and financial strain. Experts emphasise the need for awareness, family support, and timely diagnosis. They urge couples to avoid misleading practices and seek proper medical guidance early to increase their chances of conception.
The Hindu
14 hours ago
- The Hindu
Document verification for NRI ward claim candidates by KEA
The document verification process for candidates seeking admission to Medical, Dental, and AYUSH courses under the NRI Ward claim will be conducted from July 8 to July 10 by the Karnataka Examinations Authority. The candidates can visit the KEA office in Malleswaram for in-person verification. 'Candidates are required to appear based on their NEET rank as follows: On July 8 candidates with ranks up to 4,00,000, July 9 ranks up to 8,00,000 and on July 10 ranks up to 12,00,000,' said H. Prasanna, executive director, KEA on Monday. The candidates must carry the necessary documents.
NDTV
19 hours ago
- NDTV
Incorporate These Ayurvedic Hacks This Monsoon To Avoid Seasonal Ailments
Ayurvedic hacks can be highly effective in preventing seasonal ailments during the monsoon. According to Ayurveda, the rainy season aggravates the Vata and Kapha doshas while weakening Agni (digestive fire), making the body more prone to infections, indigestion, respiratory issues, and joint pain. Ayurveda recommends natural, holistic practices using herbs, spices, diet, and daily routines to balance these doshas, boost immunity, and protect against common monsoon ailments like colds, coughs, fevers, skin infections, and digestive problems. Read on as we share Ayurvedic hacks to help avoid ailments this monsoon. 10 Ayurvedic hacks this monsoon to avoid seasonal ailments 1. Start your day with warm water + ginger or tulsi Drinking warm water infused with ginger or tulsi leaves first thing in the morning helps kindle digestive fire (Agni), flush out toxins, and prevent throat infections. It strengthens the respiratory system and prepares your gut for the day ahead. 2. Use triphala for detoxification Triphala, a mix of amla, haritaki, and bibhitaki helps cleanse the digestive system, prevent constipation, and boost immunity. Consuming it at night with warm water keeps your gut clean and strengthens your overall resistance to infections. 3. Apply sesame oil for abhyanga Performing a warm oil massage using sesame oil (or medicated oils like Narayana Tailam) helps calm aggravated Vata, nourishes the skin, lubricates the joints, and improves blood circulation. It also acts as a barrier against skin infections caused by dampness. 4. Include digestive spices in every meal Ayurveda advises adding spices like cumin, black pepper, turmeric, ajwain, and asafoetida (hing) to your monsoon meals. These enhance digestion, reduce bloating, and prevent foodborne infections, common during the humid season. 5. Avoid raw leafy vegetables and opt for light, warm foods Raw greens can harbour bacteria and worsen digestion during monsoon. Instead, opt for warm, cooked, easy-to-digest foods like khichdi, soups, and steamed vegetables. This helps maintain a balanced Agni and prevents gastrointestinal issues. 6. Drink herbal teas throughout the day Sipping herbal teas made with ingredients like tulsi, cinnamon, cardamom, or mulethi (licorice) helps fight off colds, maintain respiratory health, and keeps the body warm and light. These teas are also calming and support immunity. 7. Avoid daytime sleeping Day sleeping during monsoon can increase Kapha accumulation, slowing down metabolism and inviting lethargy, cold, and cough. Ayurveda suggests staying active during the day and resting well at night to maintain natural body rhythms. 8. Burn camphor or use natural incense at home Burning camphor or Ayurvedic herbs like sambrani in the home helps purify the air, kill germs, and uplift the mood. It also prevents mould and damp-related respiratory discomfort that are common in monsoon months. 9. Use turmeric with honey for immunity Mixing a pinch of turmeric in a spoon of honey and consuming it in the morning can strengthen your immune response. Both ingredients are natural antibiotics and help fight inflammation, throat irritation, and viral infections. 10. Avoid excessive cold or fried foods Cold, oily, or deep-fried foods aggravate Kapha and dampen digestive fire, leading to sluggish digestion, colds, and sore throats. Stick to freshly cooked, warm meals with minimal oil to stay light and energised. Incorporating simple, time-tested Ayurvedic hacks can help keep the body strong, the mind calm, and the immune system resilient throughout the damp season. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
