Press Release
Srinagar, Aug 19: The Department of Psychiatry, Kashmir Medical College and Hospital (KMCH), Sempora, on Wednesday organised a Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme titled “Real Life, Real Stories: A CME on Women’s Mental Health” at the college’s conference room.
The programme was attended by Managing Director KMCH Tausif Ahmad, Executive Director Insha Qazi, Principal KMC Prof. Nazir Ahmad Khan, Dr Mantasha Binti Rashid, JKAS Officer who is currently posted as General Manager, Industries & Commerce, District Ganderbal and Registrar, Land Revenue, Ganderbal, was the guest speaker, Chairman SSM College of Engineering Dr Qazi Shabir Ahmad, Medical Superintendent Dr Syed Mubashir, HoDs of various departments, faculty members, doctors and other healthcare professionals.
Speaking on the occasion, Executive Director Insha Qazi said that alongside the CME, KMCH has introduced several specialised mental health services aimed at making mental healthcare more accessible and responsive to the needs of different sections of society.
She said the hospital has introduced a Polysomnography Clinic, EEG support and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for insomnia, besides a dedicated Workplace Burnout Clinic for KMCH staff. The clinic is managed by experienced psychiatrists and psychologists and focuses on identifying and addressing work-related stress and burnout.
She added that KMCH has also established a Women’s Emotional Wellness Clinic, with a special focus on pregnancy-related mental health concerns and postpartum depression, as well as a self-help group for women going through menopause.
The Executive Director said KMCH has further introduced a Mind Check-Up, a confidential 15-minute screening service for stress, anxiety, mood, sleep and burnout.
The Sleep Clinic addresses concerns such as insomnia, disturbed sleep, nightmares, excessive sleeping and screen-related sleep problems, while the Student and Young Adult Clinic focuses on exam anxiety, concentration difficulties, bullying, gaming and screen dependence, relationship stress and adjustment-related issues.
She said the Memory and Healthy Ageing Clinic provides memory assessment, dementia support and counselling for caregivers.
Insha Qazi said KMCH is committed to transforming mental healthcare by providing specialised services supported by modern, state-of-the-art facilities and a team of trained mental health professionals.
The CME focused on various aspects of women’s mental health, including depression, the unique mental health challenges faced by women, and the biological, psychological and social factors associated with different stages of womanhood.
Head of the Department of Psychiatry, KMCH, Prof. (Dr) Mohammad Maqbool, spoke about the growing burden of depression and discussed its various dimensions, symptoms and impact on women’s overall well-being.
Dr Mantasha Binti Rashid spoke on “Women’s Mental Health: A Denied and Ignored Reality of Our Society,” highlighting social stigma, lack of awareness and other factors that often prevent women from seeking timely mental healthcare. Her presentation was well received by the audience.
Dr Muhasin Mujtaba, Senior Resident, Department of Psychiatry, KMCH, shared insights into “The Unique Landscape of Women’s Mental Health,” focusing on the specific psychological challenges women may experience across different stages of life.
Dr Shazia Kouser, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, KMCH, delivered a presentation on “Challenges of Womanhood: Biology and Beyond Biology,” exploring the biological, psychological and social factors that influence women’s mental health.
The programme aimed to promote greater awareness about women’s mental health, encourage open conversations and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health concerns. It highlighted the importance of listening, learning, supporting and healing in addressing the mental health needs of women.
The CME concluded with an emphasis on strengthening a compassionate, accessible and specialised mental healthcare system for women.
