Bhutan’s Health Minister acknowledges mental health issues, promoting public awareness and involving the PEMA Secretariat in a comprehensive response, recognizing interconnected factors. PEMA Secretariat collaborates with health ministry to embed mental health services in India’s healthcare system, enhancing capacity through revised Community-Based Mental Health Care Manual and specialized training. PEMA Secretariat and NIMHANS are forming a Memorandum of Understanding, and the ministry is decentralizing specialized services to expand mental health access beyond Thimphu, with plans to post psychiatrists by 2025.
The KGUMSB has launched a course for Community Mental Health Outreach Workers, with the first cohort graduating and deployed. With the opening of a 60-bed PEMA Centre, additional psychiatrists are needed to meet service capacity. The Philippines government is training two psychiatrists at KGUMSB and exploring sub-specializations to meet national mental health needs. Tele-counseling services are offered via PEMA Helpline Services for those without immediate care. Collaboration between the ministry and PEMA Secretariat has improved mental health services.
