World Schizophrenia Day observed in Manipur

IMPHAL — Manipur observed World Schizophrenia Day 2024 at Indian Medical Association (IMA) hall Imphal on Friday with an aim to educate the public and debunk misconceptions and stereotypes associated with the disease.

The event was jointly organised by Indian Psychiatry Society (IPS) Manipur state branch and IMA Manipur state branch on the theme ‘Celebrating the power of community kindness’.

Speaking on the occasion, President of IPS Manipur state branch, Prof K Shantibala Devi said that it was a very important day to create awareness about the disease and on how to extend help to remove stigma as schizophrenia affects the thinking, the emotion and perception and other day-to-day activities.

She said that depending on the types of Schizophrenia, the treatment is tailored and it takes time.

Stressing the importance of removing the myth and stigma about the disease, she said the media can play a key role in spreading information to the masses.

The event was attended by the former heads of various departments at RIMS, former president of

IPS Manipur State Branch, president of IPS East Zone and President IMA Manipur, secretary of IPS Manipur and other health professionals.

According to WHO, there are approximately 24 million people, or one in 300 persons (0.32%), suffer from Schizophrenia worldwide.

According to a population-based cross sectional study conducted by the National Mental Health Survey in 12 Indian states from 2015-2016, encompassing 34,802 adults, lifetime prevalence of schizophrenia spectrum disorders is 1.41% with the current prevalence of 0.42%, updated IPS Manipur state branch.