Counselling, PTSD screening, and medication support announced of the over 500 affected tourists after state directive; Psychiatrists and psychologists will be available daily from 9 am to 4 pm
Most preference will be given to those who show symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Representation Pic/istock
To support the survivors and those injured in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, the BMC has issued a circular announcing emergency mental health services at four major civic hospitals: Topiwala National Medical College and BYL Nair Hospital, Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College and KEM Hospital, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and General Hospital (Sion Hospital), and Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Medical College and R N Cooper Hospital. Psychiatrists and psychologists will be available daily from 9 am to 4 pm.
However, in serious cases of extreme insomnia, flashbacks or restlessness, doctors will be available after 4 pm as well, stated the circular. “It is very important that the survivors get proper psychological and psychiatric treatment to come out of this trauma. And thus, as soon as over 500 surviving and injured tourists were brought back, the state government gave the directive to provide mental health to them and we accordingly informed all the major four civic hospitals to provide the much-needed help to them,” said Dr Neelam Andrade, director medical education and hospitals, BMC. She further mentioned that the services will include counselling, assessment of acute stress, screening for post-traumatic stress disorder and also provide medication depending on each case.
Survivors welcome move
Those who had a close shave welcomed the corporation’s effort. “Such services are now a must for those who saw things happening in front of their eyes, especially the children. Such treatments are usually quite expensive. But now the BMC hospitals will provide these treatments free of cost,” said Ronav Patil, a resident of Mulund who cut short his trip and returned on Thursday night by the special flight arranged by the state government.
Dr Kirti Tandel, a psychiatrist formerly associated with Nair Hospital
On the other hand, some opine that it would be better if these services were given at the traumatised persons’ homes. “This decision to extend mental health treatment is good. But the authorities should understand that the trauma that these women and children have faced by seeing their men, fathers, brothers being shot in front of them is of a very high level. At present, they are not at all in a situation to step out of their houses. It would be better if the doctors visit their residence and take note of their mental needs,” said 43-year-old Geeta Jagdade.
But no response as of now
“The doctors have been asked to prioritise any survivors of the attack over our regular cases. But we haven’t received any walk-ins or calls from such people on the first day. Mental health treatments are still seen as taboo, and we also understand that those suffering from this trauma won’t be in a situation to assess their mental state. Thus, we urge their relatives and family members to take initiative and take them to the nearest hospital,” said Dr Mohan Joshi, dean, Sion hospital.
Echoing the same, Dr Sangeeta Rawat, dean, KEM Hospital, said, “I think as more people become aware of such services being offered, people will start coming after a few days. They definitely need time to first come to terms with their current situation. Only after that will they realise that they need help. I am sure our services will be of use and our doctors are well-trained to handle these cases,” she said.
Handling such cases
Dr Kirti Tandel, a psychiatrist formerly associated with Nair Hospital, “When there is any kind of disaster situation, we segregate the patients into emergency and regular patients, and into emergency OPD and regular OPD. Then, under emergency cases also, most preference is given to those who show symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or have panic attacks. Immediate treatment is started for such patients. If the patient inflow is huge, depending on the severity of the situation, then we jot down a disaster management plan where a committee is formed that check the resource availability of each hospital and directs the medical force accordingly about which patient should be taken to which hospital so that one centre does not have to face all the load. Also, in extreme cases, additional staff are called for, and NGOs or private hospitals are asked to chip in.”
Those in need can contact the following:
Nair hospital
Dr Henal Shah (in-charge): 9323193505
Dr Janhavi Kedare (unit head): 9322239997
Dr Alka Subramaniam: 9820143245
KEM hospital
Dr Ajit Nayak (department head): 9870314844
Dr Neena Sawant (unit head): 9930583713
Dr Kranti Kadam: 9920969088
Dr Shilpa Adarkar: 9820139158
Sion hospital
Dr Nilesh Shah (department head): 8879564532
Dr Heena Merchant: 9930395679
Cooper hospital
Dr Deoraj Sinha (in-charge): 9869989894
9 am to 4 pm
Time of the service daily
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