The District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, District Health and Family Welfare Department, District Mental Health Programme Division, Information and Public Relations Department, Taluk Health Officers’ Office, and Sankanur Institute of Nursing Science jointly organized an event to observe World Schizophrenia Day-2025.
The awareness program was chaired by Rashmi Patil, Associate Professor at the Institute of Nursing Science, and inaugurated by Dr. Rajendra C. Basarigida, District Leprosy Control Officer and District Mental Health Programme Officer. Dr. Basarigida emphasized that with proper care and psychosocial support, individuals suffering from schizophrenia can lead normal lives. He also urged students to work towards eliminating societal superstitions and discrimination associated with the condition.
Rashmi Patil expressed gratitude to the Department of Health and Family Welfare for facilitating the program and encouraged students to actively raise awareness about schizophrenia and its treatment.
Dr. Preet Khona, Taluk Health Officer, provided detailed information about schizophrenia and available treatments. He highlighted the importance of societal support for mental health patients and promoted the Tele-Manas free helpline (14416) launched by the Government of India, which offers personalized counseling services. Dr. Khona stressed that mental health is vital for everyone and called on participants to create awareness and encourage treatment for mental illnesses.