The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has launched programs to train prison officials and health workers to identify mental health conditions among people in institutional settings and refer them for appropriate treatment.

NIMH Director Consultant Psychiatrist Dr. Dhammika Alahapperuma said the programs form part of the institute’s wider efforts to improve early identification and treatment of mental health conditions.Speaking at a special media briefing held at the Ministry of Health and Mass Media today (8), he said mental illnesses could affect people from all age groups and sections of society.

He said that identifying mental health conditions, addressing public fears and misconceptions and reducing stigma were essential to improving treatment outcomes.According to Dr. Alahapperuma, the NIMH has also introduced targeted programs for schoolchildren, teachers and youth.  said the institute had trained nearly 20,000 people from the public and private sectors during the past year.

The NIMH treats more than 1,000 patients daily and admits around 60 new patients each day, he said.Dr. Alahapperuma said the institute was also working to raise awareness through various media platforms, including social media, while members of the public could obtain mental health advice through the 24-hour 1926 helpline.