PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has said that the number of patients at Goa’s Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour (IPHB) is steadily increasing, and many of them have been abandoned by their families.
“We currently have around 300 to 350 patients in 10 to 12 centres managed by Provedoria. Families bring their loved ones and never return to visit them. That’s the truth. It’s not just physical health that matters; mental health is equally important,” Sawant said.
He was speaking at a Mental Health Awareness Programme for Women organised by the Goa State Rural Livelihoods Mission. Urging people to speak openly about their feelings, Sawant said, “How many of us share what’s on our minds? Hardly 5%. If Prime Minister Narendra Modi can speak to the nation through Mann Ki Baat, we too should learn to share our own Mann Ki Baat with others. Talking and expressing ourselves helps prevent mental illness over time.”
Sawant said that women, especially homemakers, often keep their emotions to themselves. “Men usually get to meet and talk to many people through their day”at work, in the market, or with friends. But many of our sisters stay home, looking after their families and rarely get a chance to share what they feel. Speaking up and talking about what’s on their mind is important for mental fitness,” he said.
He reminded the audience that good health includes both body and mind. “Everyone likes earning money, but how much time do we really spend on ourselves? We spend time for others but hardly for our own well-being. Even half an hour daily”for exercise, meditation, learning, or prayer”can make a big difference,” he said.
Talking about the government’s new Mhaje Ghar scheme, Sawant said it aims to bring Goans both peace of mind and happiness by helping them secure legal ownership of their homes. “This scheme will protect the houses of those who fear demolition. It will help them live peacefully in their own homes. Mental peace comes only when one feels secure in their own house,” he said.
He added that property disputes and fear of demolition are among the major causes of stress in Goa.
“Every day, at least one person comes to my office with a housing-related problem”whether it’s a family issue or a dispute with a neighbour. If we can solve these problems, people will truly find peace of mind. That’s why we introduced the Mhaje Ghar scheme”to give Goans legal security and mental peace,” he said.
