NHTC Module 2b Training for Prescribers

Five days of NHTC Module-2b training on mental health and two days of research and evaluation were successfully conducted by TPO Nepal in close coordination with the National Health Training Centre (NHTC) and Provincial Health Directorate, Gandaki province, from 29th November to 5th December in Hotel Fishtail Inn in Pokhara. A total of 17 participants, 10 females and 7 males from different health facilities of Pokhara Metropolitan, were enrolled in the training. A pre-test and post-test were conducted in order to ensure the effectiveness of the training.

The training was inaugurated by Mr. Ramesh Prasad Adhikari (Director of the National Health Training Center, Gandaki), highlighting the mental health status in the community and the newly updated Modules for building the capacity of the health workers. As a part of the government monitoring and supervision, Mr Hem Prasad Acharya (Division Head, Health and Education, Pokhara Metropolitan) ensured timely supervision from the metropolitan to ensure quality services. He also congratulated the participants for having the right to provide mental health services and prescribe medicine and motivated them to work better in the future.

The training session was facilitated by Dr. Richa Sinha, a Psychiatrist from Bharatpur Hospital and Dr. Anusa Manandhar, a Psychiatrist from Beni Hospital, Myagdi, and Ms. Sabitra Sharma Clinical Supervisor/ Psychologist at TPO Nepal. Facilitators covered the contents on different mental health conditions and their psychosocial and pharmacological management in primary health care settings. Different methods such as lectures, discussions, role-play, videos, and group work were used to make the training interactive and fun.