The event, organized by RGU’s ICMR-AITS Project team, brought together a diverse group of 25 mental health professionals, including clinical psychologists, school counsellors, and representatives from Tele-MANAS, Midpu Mental Hospital, and the TRIHMS. Dr. Hatobin Mai, the state’s Tele-MANAS in-charge, highlighted the critical role of digital and district-level programs in expanding healthcare access across 16 districts. Project leaders Dr. Tarun Mene and Dr. Amit Kumar termed the gathering a historic step, emphasizing that meaningful progress requires sustained, collective partnerships among professionals, communities, and policymakers.
Facilitated by Research Scientist Dr. Leeyir Ete, the consultation brought several vital insights to light. Experts stressed that family environments and supportive parenting are pivotal to individual well-being, calling for stronger emotional support systems within homes. Furthermore, participants advocated for a shift toward culturally relevant, context-specific interventions. They noted that blending traditional talk therapy with indigenous knowledge systems and local cultural practices would make mental health services far more accessible and effective for the people of Arunachal Pradesh.
The landmark meeting concluded with a major breakthrough: the development of a structured referral linkage pathway. This new framework will connect mental health professionals and service providers based on their specific areas of expertise, ensuring a more coordinated and rapid response system for patients across the state.
