Strategies to tackle by primary care physicians to mental health issues in India in COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract

Dear editor, Today India is facing the highest-burden and consequences to the Covid-19 pandemic. Everyone has been impacted and in stress related to economic issues, health issues, family issues, and social issues, etc., This kind of stress may further lead to mental health issues. COVID, lockdown, quarantine consequent increasing mental health burden worldwide. Policymakers should rethink for primary health care and primary health care warriors fighting with limited resources at the rural setup in India. There are observed very limited mental health facilities available in rural India. A study published by Jitendra Rohilla et al. highlighted a very important issue of primary care physicians approach for the mental health impact of COVID -19. He focused on the importance of the role of telemedicine as a supportive tool in this crisis.[1] He concluded that knowledge of common mental health conditions and psychotropics and liaison with mental health specialist through telemedicine could be a suitable approach for family physicians treating patients suffering from both psychological and medical disorders.[1] Herewith we would like to add the following strategies that could be helpful to tackle primary care Physicians to mental health issues in India in COVID-19 pandemic and making it more simplified, realistic, usable, etc. Utilization of regular mobile applications by primary care physicians like WhatsApp, WhatsApp calling, Zoom, Google Meet, etc., These may lead to direct increasing person to person communications, sharing of diagnostic reports, medication reports, etc. Arrangement of webinars (short duration) for primary care physicians on dedicated mental health issues, current scenarios, counseling management by state authorities, regional centers, tertiary care centers, Rotary clubs, medical Institutions, by local IMA forums, etc. Releasing counseling seminars, discussion forum program on local Radio, FM channels. Connect the physicians in groups and making regional networking with ICT (Information and communication technology) enabled tools. Circulation of PDF files, videos, multimedia content or e-content with the latest information related to mental health. Preparation of mental health hotline by government agencies. Developing specialized mobile applications dedicated to a mental health issue with the private partnership by government authorities. Arrangement of yoga sessions, laughter club sessions at COVID centers with proper measurements. Though in real government or policymakers has very little attention over this issue. These few simple measures can receive extensive important support in the current situation to the primary health care system and dedicated warriors. Their motivation, support care, improving knowledge will surely help in reducing mental health-related burdens. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.