Gangtok, May 19 (IPR): Following the orientation workshop on the Sikkim Integrated Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Strategy 2025–2030 held earlier today, a press briefing was convened at Chintan Bhawan to share key highlights of the strategy and outline its implementation roadmap. Programme Director Sikkim INSPIRES Planning & Development Department, Ms Rohini Pradhan, opened the briefing by revisiting the launch of the state’s first localised mental health strategy on May 16. She emphasised that the briefing was intended to convey the process behind the development of the strategy and shed light on the pressing need for evidence-based and economically grounded interventions. She expressed concern over the alarming suicide rates in the state, especially among the youth, and pointed out the absence of a robust economic safety net for citizens. A pan-state baseline survey had been undertaken in technical collaboration with the Centre for Mental Health Law and Policy (CMHLP), Indian Law Society, Pune, she noted, adding that the strategy now seeks to translate these insights into actionable and sustainable programmes. She further reiterated the State Government’s commitment and reaffirmed the prioritisation of mental health through evidence-based and inclusive policymaking under the able leadership of Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang. Programme Director CMHLP Pune, Mr Arjun Kapoor, described the strategy as a landmark document, built on consultations with diverse stakeholders. He said its vision is to promote the mental well-being and prosperity of the people of Sikkim through an integrated, multisectoral approach. He highlighted the six strategic priority areas the document focuses on—ranging from service delivery and suicide prevention to research and employment. Stressing the media’s powerful role in shaping public perception and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, he urged journalists to avoid sensationalism and instead contribute to creating a compassionate narrative around mental health. Extending her gratitude to the Sikkim INSPIRES team, District Collector Namchi, Ms Anupa Tamling, shared that Namchi district would initiate community-level interventions on a pilot basis. She informed that preliminary workshops had already been conducted with district-level stakeholders, and the community was prepared to engage openly in conversations around mental health, seek help, and break the stigma associated with it. She further stated that key stakeholders are ensuring the inclusion of rural areas in the initiative. The intervention is expected to roll out in the first week of June, she added. With the strategy now in place, she said there is greater clarity on the way forward, with the focus shifting to mental wellness rather than stigma. She stressed the importance of public cooperation the importance of public cooperation to ensure the initiative’s success and highlighted the need to create safe spaces for individuals from all walks of life. She also expressed hope that the strategy would serve as a guiding framework for the entire state. Emphasising the media’s critical role, Ms Tamling informed that the Information and Public Relations Department, Government of Sikkim had already issued a circular in April encouraging responsible reporting of suicide cases and urging media houses to highlight helpline numbers as part of their coverage. Also present at the press briefing were Nodal Officer Sikkim INSPIRES Health & Family Welfare Department Dr Sonam Ongmu Lasopa, and Additional Director, Health & Family Welfare Department Dr Karma Chaden Bhutia, among others, who lent their support to the strategy and its rollout. The briefing concluded with a collective call to action across sectors to ensure that the strategy not only remains a document but transforms into measurable change on the ground.