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 The
World Health Organization Country Office in Sri
Lanka brought together several leading personalities in
the field of Mental Health from both abroad and locally for an afternoon of
discussion, deliberation and decision making on Wednesday, 15th February 2006
at the Ceylon Continental Hotel, Colombo.
The Director General of Health Services, Dr. Athula Kahandaliyanage graced
the occasion, along with the Deputy Regional Director of the WHO South East
Asia Regional Office (SEARO), Dr. (Mrs.) Poonam Ketrapal Singh, Director, Non Communicable Diseases and
Mental Health (SEARO), Dr. Than Sein and Director,
Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Dr. Benedetto Saraceno, from WHO –
Headquarters.
Dr. (Mrs.) Poonam Ketrapla Singh addressed the gathering on “The Role of
Partnerships” and highlighted the growing need for collaborative activity by
all partners and stakeholders in the health sector.
Dr. Benedetto Saraceno,
delivered the keynote address on this occasion stressing on why countries
need to invest in community mental health services.
Dr Hiranthi De Silva, Director
Mental Health Services, Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition explained the
concept and understanding behind “The New National Mental Health Policy”,
with Dr John Mahoney, Programme Manager,
Psychosocial and Mental Health, WHO Sri Lanka elaborating on “The Process of
Implementing the New Mental Health Policy”.
The partners and stakeholders present that afternoon
engaged in a discussion and identified the way forward, in the implementation
of the New Mental Health Policy.
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