'Ottakkalla Oppamundu' project will be strengthened: CM

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the 'Ottakkalla Oppamundu' project will be strengthened to reduce the intensity of mental stress inflicted by Covid on the society. The Psychosocial Support Team was launched in February last year under the leadership of the Mental Health Program Team in each district. About 1,400 people, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and counselors, are part of the project. The team will be expanded to include more people in the current situation.

In addition to those affected by Covid, the project also connects people with mental illness, parents of children with disabilities, and the elderly who need support. A new helpline for health workers has also been launched. Psychosocial Helpline numbers are available under the mental health program in all districts. In addition, the service is available 24 hours a day on Disha Helpline numbers 1056 and 0471 2552056 on a state-wise basis.