World Brain Day: Mental health is as important as physical health, says Ballari District Health and Family Welfare Officer

Ballari District Health and Family Welfare Officer Alakananda D. Malagi on Wednesday (July 22) underscored the importance of mental well-being, emphasising that mental health is as important as physical health and that early diagnosis of neurological and mental disorders is essential to prevent permanent disability.

She was inaugurating the World Brain Day programme organised at the Brain Health Treatment Centre of the district hospital by the district administration, zilla panchayat, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Karnataka Brain Health Initiative, and the district hospital.

Dr. Malagi said neurological and mental health disorders often make it difficult for individuals to lead a dignified life. If such conditions are not detected and treated at an early stage, they could result in long-term disability, she warned.

Highlighting the role of physiotherapy in the rehabilitation of patients with neurological disorders, she said the district hospital was providing physiotherapy services free of cost and appealed to the public to make use of the facility. She also urged people to spread awareness about the advanced treatment services available at the hospital.

Presiding over the programme, district surgeon N. Basareddy said brain health was vital for a person’s overall well-being and day-to-day functioning. Even though the district hospital did not have a full-time neurologist, special neurological outpatient services had been arranged on Tuesdays and Fridays and medicines were provided free of cost. He urged the public to utilise the facility.

District Mental Health Programme Officer Veerendra Kumar K.G. said that, unlike physical ailments, brain and mental health disorders often remained unnoticed until they became severe. He stressed the need for early identification of symptoms, timely treatment and greater public awareness.

He said the Karnataka Brain Health Initiative aimed at early detection, treatment and counselling for neurological disorders, stroke and depression, particularly among people aged above 50. A dedicated Brain Health Initiative unit was functioning at the district hospital, and the district had secured first and second positions in the State in implementing the programme, he added.

Earlier in the day, the dignitaries inaugurated medical equipment sponsored by Ujjivan Bank.