Improving Access Through Tele-psychiatry in Tibetan SettlementsIMPACT-T

The Department of Health (DOHe), one of the seven departments of Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) is registered in the name of Tibetan Voluntary Health Association (TVHA) under the Indian Society Registration Act XXI 1860. Established in 1981, DOHe is working as a registered charitable organization catering to the basic health care needs of Tibetan people living in India and Nepal through its network of health facilities.

Since the early 90s, the mental health desk of the Department of Health has actively played a crucial role in training its staff on counseling and providing emotional support to the Tibetan torture survivors in India through home visits. The desk continues training the healthcare workers on counseling skill-building and promoting awareness on emotional hygiene in the schools and settlements through events, social media, and public talks. Under the medical reimbursement program, the desk currently provides financial assistance to about 200 Tibetans with a minimal financial background who are on psychiatric medications. The desk successfully formed its mental health core committee in 2020. The advisory members are Dr. Tsetan Dorji Sadutshang, Dr. Tsewang Tamdin, Geshe Lhakdor, Dr. Carol Weingarten, Dr. Takako Suzuki, and Health Secretary. PRM supports all mental health activities.