Thane Mental Hospital Holds Awareness Rally And Exhibition To Combat Mental Health Stigma

Thane, October 10, 2026 - The Regional Mental Hospital in Thane has taken a step towards combating the stigma surrounding mental health through a series of awareness initiatives during World Mental Health Week. The campaign, led by Dr Netaji Mulik, Medical Superintendent of the hospital, aimed to promote understanding, empathy, and inclusion for individuals struggling with psychiatric conditions.

The week-long event began with an exhibition of mental health posters designed by students, showcasing the campaign's focus on "Lived Experiences, Heard Real Voices, Real Change." Two street plays, performed by the hospital's nursing in-charges and students from DPN College, vividly depicted the challenges faced by those with mental illnesses, as well as the importance of empathy, kindness, and cooperation in their treatment.

Chief guest R. D. Sawant, Principal District and Sessions Judge and Chairman of the Mental Health Review Board, emphasized the legal rights, human dignity, and legal protections available to those affected by mental health issues. He stressed that mental health awareness should not be confined to a single day or week but should become an integral part of daily life.

The awareness rally concluded the programme, with the chief guests flagging off a procession through the streets of Thane. The rally called for an end to misconceptions about mental illness, discrimination against patients, and the need to support them with dignity. Dr Netaji Mulik stressed that alongside medical treatments, psychiatric patients require love, affection, and understanding from the community.

It is our collective responsibility to understand their experiences, challenges, and difficulties and adapt our treatments and services accordingly to ensure they can live with dignity.