Conference on Psychosocial Care and Mental Health Services in Disasters: Summary and Recommendations

Psychosocial care has been incorporated into the disaster management program only recently. Now, emphasis is being placed on long-term care, disaster preparedness and strengthening of community harmony. Proper utilization of mass media services that works both positively and negatively has also been emphasised. Comprehensive policy formulations, plan of actions related to disaster is emphasized as a result of the Disaster Management Act that is in force since 2005. It is in this background that the National conference on “Psychosocial Care and Mental Health Services in Disasters” was organized in collaboration with WHO India, CARE India, Every Child India and TdH on 26th and 27th November 2007 at the Convention Center, NIMHANS, Bangalore. This is a report of the proceedings and the recommendations. http://www.nimhans.kar.nic.in]