Policies and Programmes
Translating research evidence in the areas of MNSUDs and injuries to develop, implement and strengthen policies and programmes is a key objective of the department. Our contributions include policies towards alcohol control, drinking and driving, assessment and evaluation of Mental health systems and programmes, suicide prevention and non-communicable diseases prevention and care (inputs to NPCDCS and NPHCE). In collaboration with the WHO-SEARO, capacity strengthening activities for NCD prevention and care was undertaken for policy makers and programme managers in South-East Asian countries.
In collaboration with Government of Karnataka, YUVA SPANDANA, an integrated mental health promotion services for the Youth using an empowerment model (Youth policy 2012 initiative) has been developed and is being implemented in 10 districts in Karnataka to be further expanded to another 10 districts.
The activities undertaken in the Public health observatory are aimed at strengthening and integrating policies and programmes in the areas of NCDs and Injuries.
Alcohol Related Harm: Implications for Public Health and Policy in India
Authors: Gururaj G, Pratima Murthy, Girish N, Vivek Benegal
Walking plus programme
Yuva Spandana
Yuva Spandana, a programme by the youth, for the youth aims at implementing integrated behavioural, physical, mental and psychosocial support services to young people (aged 15-30 years) through district guidance centres called “Yuva Spandana Kendras” using an empowerment model. These centres are run by well-trained Yuva Parivartakas. The issues mainly dealt with are health and life style, personality development, relationship issues, safety, emotional and crisis management and education and academic issues.
Suicide prevention programme
Activities in this area has focused upon measuring the burden, impact and risk factors of suicides, capacity building of different categories of personnel like medical officers, family practitioners, educational institutions, women and child development organisations, police and media professionals, establishing exclusive suicide prevention help line –SAHAI, policy inputs for restricting pesticides and drugs, and larger inputs for programmes across the country
Programmes in workplaces
Programmes in workplaces are aimed at examining role and status of mental health in occupational health systems, integrating mental health screening in pre-placement and periodical examination, training of Industrial medical officers for NCD prevention and Care activities, suicide prevention in workplaces are some of the ongoing activities.