Namchi, Dec 2, 2025: The Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Sikkim, has intensified its efforts to strengthen community-based mental health care through a two-day comprehensive training on Mental, Neurological and Substance Use (MNS) Disorders. The programme, held on December 1–2, was jointly organised by the State Mental Health Program and the District Mental Health Program (DMHP) of Namchi District.
Mid-Level Health Providers (MLHPs) from Primary Health Sub Centres, along with counselors and health educators from Primary Health Centres across the district, participated in the training aimed at enhancing early detection, referral, and follow-up care for mental health conditions.
Dr. Urgen Sherpa, PCC-cum-District Nodal Officer, DMHP, underscored the vital role of MLHPs in bridging the mental health treatment gap, especially through Health & Wellness Centres under Ayushman Bharat. He also stressed the importance of self-care for frontline workers supporting vulnerable communities.
Additional Director of NMHP, Dr. Tara Gautam, said the training equips participants with structured tools under the MNS Package, ensuring timely and accessible mental health support even in remote areas.
Training Objectives
Early identification and screening of common mental, neurological and substance use disorders
Strengthened mental health promotion through awareness, stress management and stigma reduction
Improving referral mechanisms between primary care facilities and specialist services
Ensuring follow-up and continuity of care for individuals with mental health needs
Building MLHP confidence in delivering culturally sensitive, person-centered care
Participants underwent practical sessions on counselling, crisis management, risk assessment, and the use of decision-support tools. Demonstrations, role-plays and case discussions were led by certified Master Trainers trained by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in 2024, including psychiatrists Dr. Rajeev Gurung and Dr. Tsephel Eden Bhutia, Sr. Clinical Psychologist Dr. Sonam Ongmu Lasopa, and Counselor Ms. Tsephel Yongda.
The department also announced an upcoming one-day training for all ASHAs in Namchi District, focusing on identifying mental health concerns, promoting awareness, and supporting continuous care at the community level.
The initiative is expected to significantly reduce the mental health treatment gap and strengthen early diagnosis across Sikkim. The Health & Family Welfare Department will continue supporting MLHPs through mentoring, refresher programmes and digital tools, reaffirming its commitment to integrating mental health into primary care and expanding accessible, community-based services statewide.
