GANGTOK— In a pioneering move to address mental health challenges and curb suicide rates, the Government of Sikkim has unveiled the draft of its “Integrated Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Strategy,” co-developed by the Health & Family Welfare and Planning and Development Departments in collaboration with the Sikkim INSPIRES Team.
The draft, available on sikkim.gov.in and inspires.sikkim.gov.in, marks a major milestone in the state’s inclusive approach to public health. Designed through a wide-reaching participatory process, the strategy is the result of months of collaboration involving national and international mental health experts—from AIIMS, McGill University, and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare—as well as grassroots-level contributors across Sikkim.
Stakeholders ranged from panchayat leaders, teachers, and SHGs to LGBTQ+ communities, media professionals, persons with disabilities, social media influencers, and local NGOs. Their insights were gathered through gap assessments, community visits, focus group discussions, and surveys. One of the key field inspirations for the strategy was the ‘Atmiyata’ mental health initiative in Mehsana, Gujarat. Technical guidance was provided by the Centre for Mental Health Law and Policy at the Indian Law Society.
What makes this strategy unique is its bottom-up design—built “by the community, for the community.” It aims to be a truly inclusive, responsive document reflecting the lived experiences and urgent needs of Sikkim’s diverse population.
The draft is now open for public comments until May 12, after which it will be finalized and officially released on Sikkim’s State Day. The government has invited citizens to submit their suggestions via email at inspiresimhp@gmail.com, reinforcing its commitment to making mental health support accessible, inclusive, and community-led.
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