The Bhutanese Leading the way.
On the Royal Command of Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, the Pema Center Secretariat, an agency to spearhead our national response for mental health, has been established.
Her Majesty graced the inauguration ceremony of the Secretariat on 16 June, where prayers were performed for an auspicious start to the initiative.
The Secretariat aims to help build a society that promotes the mental health and well-being of all Bhutanese.
It will support policies and develop programs to support mental health, foster multi-sectoral partnerships, engage communities, and establish a proactive service delivery network. It will also help introduce and improve treatments, therapy and rehabilitation services.
The Secretariat has three core divisions, for Self-harm Prevention, Violence Prevention and Response, and Substance Use Prevention and Care. Their collective mandate is to make proactive and reliable mental health services accessible for all. The team’s first steps towards this include setting up channels through which those in need of services can seek help, and systems to support them as well as their families and caregivers.
The Secretariat is comprised of a board and staff from a diverse set of backgrounds, working under the guidance of Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen.
The Prime Minister, Members of the Board of the Pema Centre Secretariat chaired by the Health Minister, and the Secretariat staff were also present on the occassion.
How wonderful to hear such news that Her Majesty The Queen of Bhutan is taking keen interest in the mental health and wellbeing of all citizens. Other countries must learn from Bhutanese leaders.
Bhutan has always been a peaceful country where the people lead a simple life and are contented. Having lived in this beautiful country for quite a number of years and having taught many students, I feel proud to note that my student Nim Tshering is part of this great endeavour.
Tasha Delek!