US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s India Visit Highlights Mental Health Awareness
On World Mental Health Day, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy concluded his global tour aimed at dispelling mental health myths and offering support tips. Murthy, the first Surgeon General of Indian descent, visited Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru to emphasize the global mental health and loneliness crisis. He praised the Indo-US health partnership, highlighting shared needs and opportunities for learning.
Murthy met with organizations and individuals in India working to reduce the stigma around mental health. He stressed the importance of increasing access to mental health care and addressing the crisis’s root causes. US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, commended Murthy’s efforts, emphasizing the US Government’s commitment to mental health.
During his visit, Murthy engaged with young people at the Mariwala Health Initiative and held discussions with students at various educational institutions about loneliness, mental health, and social media. He also connected with mental health advocate Ira Khan at IIT Bombay.
Murthy visited the Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research to observe Noora Health’s caregiving model, which combats social isolation. As Co-Chair of the WHO’s Commission on Social Connection, Murthy’s mission is to address mental health globally. He issued advisories on loneliness, isolation, and youth mental health, emphasizing the need for awareness and access to mental health services.
Doubts Revealed
US Surgeon General -: The US Surgeon General is a top doctor in the United States who gives advice on health matters to the public. Vivek Murthy is the person holding this position, and he helps guide people on how to stay healthy.
World Mental Health Day -: World Mental Health Day is a special day celebrated on October 10th every year to raise awareness about mental health issues. It encourages people to talk about mental health and seek help if needed.
Mental health misconceptions -: Mental health misconceptions are wrong ideas or beliefs about mental health. These can include thinking that mental health problems are not real or that people with mental health issues are weak.
Indo-US health partnership -: The Indo-US health partnership is a collaboration between India and the United States to work together on health-related issues. This partnership helps both countries share knowledge and resources to improve health care.
Noora Health -: Noora Health is an organization that helps train family members to care for patients after they leave the hospital. This helps improve the health of patients and reduces the chances of them getting sick again.
Loneliness crisis -: The loneliness crisis refers to the growing problem of people feeling alone and isolated. This can affect mental health and is becoming a concern worldwide, especially with the rise of social media.