Mental Health Empowerment Tour 2083: Day 3

June 29, 2026

As part of NSRC's Mental Health Empowerment Tour 2083, the third day of the initiative was conducted at Nepalgunj Medical College (NGMC), Kohalpur, Banke. Unlike the earlier training sessions in Bardiya that focused on early childhood educators, this program was specifically designed for healthcare professionals, aiming to strengthen the capacity of medical doctors in suicide prevention and psychological intervention. Recognizing that doctors are often the first point of contact for individuals experiencing psychological distress, the training emphasized the importance of early identification, effective communication, and timely intervention.

The three-hour training brought together predominantly NMC-registered MBBS doctors, along with an MD doctor and an Inspector, reflecting growing recognition of mental health as a multidisciplinary responsibility. The session covered practical approaches to suicide prevention, facilitated by Pawan Poudel, and psychological intervention techniques, led by Saru Shrestha. Through interactive discussions, case-based learning, and real-world examples, participants explored methods for recognizing warning signs, assessing suicide risk, providing immediate psychological support, and making appropriate referrals when necessary.

The training was characterized by active participation and meaningful dialogue throughout the session. Doctors openly shared clinical experiences, raised questions regarding challenging cases, and engaged in discussions around common barriers to providing mental health support in healthcare settings. Several misconceptions related to suicide risk assessment and psychological intervention were identified and addressed, enabling participants to develop a more evidence-based understanding of mental health crises and appropriate clinical responses.

Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the practical and interactive nature of the training as one of its greatest strengths. Participants reported gaining new knowledge and greater confidence in responding to patients experiencing suicidal thoughts and psychological distress. Overall, the program successfully extended the goals of the Mental Health Empowerment Tour 2083 to the medical community, equipping healthcare professionals with essential skills to provide compassionate, timely, and effective mental health support while reinforcing the importance of integrating suicide prevention into routine clinical practice.