• MANOJNA helpline number launched for disaster-affected people of Assam

    Regional
    MANOJNA helpline number launched for disaster-affected people of Assam

    Guwahati: On the occasion of World's Indigenous Peoples, a helpline service has been introduced by Jishnu Barua, State Chief Secretary. The announcement was made at the conference hall of the Chief Secretary in Guwahati, stated a press release. 





    The helpline service named MANOJNA is a 14410-a tele-counselling Mental Health Helpline service for disaster-affected people of Assam, including COVID-19.





    The MANOJNA service is launched by Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA). There are also associated departments such as the Department of Psychiatry, National Health Mission (NHM), Assam, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), UNICEF, BSNL, and StepOne, an NGO.





    The helpline service will have a Toll Free Number 14410 and qualified physicians /therapists of NHM, Assam. The National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) will look after the counseling. 





    The individuals who are in a stress / anxious state of mind due to the pandemic or some other calamity or who have lost property or resources and caregivers will be served from this service.





    Jishnu Barua acknowledged the drive of ASDMA providing much-needed assistance for the people experiencing distress on account of the onset or outcome of a disaster. 





    Praising the role performed by the additional associates in making the drive a certainty, he emphasized making this assistance more institutional and continued service.





    The Chief Secretary handed over 10 Satellite receivers obtained under State Disaster Response Fund by ASDMA to the Environment & Forest Department. These phones are to be used by Kaziranga National Park to promote the transmission method while dealing with natural disasters and anti-poaching exercises.





    Additionally, Dr.Mythili Hazarika, Associate Professor, GMCH, highlighted the growing inclination of the population suffering from psycho-social and emotional problems. The program was further accompanied by the Deputy Commissioners of all the areas in virtual mode.