Uttarakhand's Mental Health Authority Honored with Prestigious SKOCH Gold Award 2025
In a significant recognition of its efforts in mental health governance, the State Mental Health Authority (SMHA) of Uttarakhand, operating under the state's medical health and family welfare department, has been awarded the SKOCH Gold Award 2025 in the health category. This accolade highlights the authority's dedicated work in implementing the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, which aims to provide accessible and rights-based mental healthcare across the region.
Pioneering Survey on Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Collaborating with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru, Uttarakhand conducted what officials describe as potentially India's first comprehensive state-wide epidemiological survey focused on child and adolescent mental health. This initiative underscores the state's proactive approach to addressing mental health issues from an early age, setting a benchmark for other regions to follow.
Award Ceremony and Key Officials
The award was formally presented at the India Habitat Centre, where Dr. Shikha Jangpangi, CEO of SMHA Uttarakhand, and Dr. Sumit Deb Barman, joint director of SMHA, accepted the honor on behalf of the authority. Their leadership has been instrumental in driving forward the state's mental health agenda, emphasizing the importance of strategic investments in this critical sector.
Mental Health as a National Investment
In her remarks, Dr. Jangpangi emphasized that mental health should be viewed not as a cost center but as a vital national investment. She cited global evidence indicating a 4:1 return on investment in mental healthcare, with Indian estimates suggesting even higher returns of up to 6.5 times when interventions are implemented early. This perspective frames mental health as essential for enhancing human capability and overall productivity, aligning with broader economic and social goals.
Strengthening Regulation and Digital Integration
Dr. Barman highlighted Uttarakhand's focus on strengthening regulation and coordination at the district level, positioning mental healthcare as a matter of dignity, access, and rights. He also revealed that the state is actively developing a digital public health system that integrates Tele-MANAS, e-MANAS, and Mann Samvaad AI. This innovative approach aims to leverage technology to improve mental health services, making them more accessible and efficient for residents.
About the SKOCH Awards
The SKOCH awards are independent civil honors that recognize effective governance across various sectors. By awarding Uttarakhand's SMHA, the SKOCH organization has acknowledged the state's exemplary efforts in mental health governance, setting a standard for others to emulate in promoting public welfare and strategic healthcare investments.
