Volume 11 Issues 3 March, 2021
The Asian Medical Students Association (AMSA), India is a non-profit organization consisting of medical students’ from across the country who undertake social work, conduct quality research, and create interpersonal relationships in an attempt to shape the future of medical fraternity and health care provided.
Under AMSA’s wings comes the Public Health and Research Department (PHRD) which provides opportunities for medical students to work on various public health related projects in accordance with the Sustainable Development. Project Muskurahat, under the PHRD, AMSA India comprises of members who coordinate all the mental health related activities initiated by students. Mental health is a crucial topic and must be prioritized among medical students, as they play a key role in raising awareness about the same in the community at present, and for the foreseeable future too. Constructive discourse, can have a very positive outcome here.
One of the events undertaken by student members of Project Muskurahat was “Tact Impact”, an online debate competition, open to all medical students from colleges in Karnataka and Gujarat. Keeping in mind the heterogeneity in the current status of public outlook, and practices towards mental health among different sectors of society, especially aggravated by the pandemic, the topic for debate was finalized as, “Management of mental health is best dealt at the institutional level, than in community settings.”
Come day of the event, the online meet included the Judge (Dr. Yamini. D), the organisers, the participants, and spectators.
The speeches delivered involved an articulate dissection of the topic statement, and successfully distinguished between general and regular management of mental health, versus specifically tending to certain psychiatric diagnoses, both of which can potentially have an institutional and a community driven tackling approach. Pertinent points were made about both the role of primordial prevention and primary care involving community level participation, and the requirement of a systematic and prudent approach by a tertiary care centre. Arguments regarding the disparity in available healthcare facilities were brought up. Marginalised communities at present, experience various external oppressive factors. This unfortunately causes victims to relegate any resemblance of a mentally uneasy state, thus making mental health a current priority to the relatively privileged. In a developing country like India, making information conveniently available to the community in need, enables people to recognise their need for help, and
make informed decisions about the choice of personalized management. Hurdles faced in doing so involve monetary constraints, white coat anxiety, and reluctance to open up about one’s mental health due to the broadly prevalent stigma about the same. Arguments in favour of institutional level management included the necessity for trained personal and a rehabilitation friendly environment.
A rebuttal round followed the speeches, where participants questioned their opponents, regarding their stand and reasoning. Among the many relevant points made were long term goals such as the need for quality research within healthcare institutions, and an improved outreach and affordability of psychological and psychiatric services. This ensures that institutionalisation when necessary doesn’t cause victims to spectate society, but be a part of it, and feel the sense of belonging in a safe space. Participants included anecdotes and case discussions, thus making the key points tangible to many.
In the end, the Judge stressed on the requirement for a holistic approach and a porous boundary where evidence based specialised healthcare is provided complementary to community upliftment and participation. Trans-institutionalisation can be a well-balanced way forward henceforth.
In conclusion, it is safe to suggest that online extracurricular events complementary to students’ hectic exam schedules can potentially go a long way in inculcating a healthy balance in students’ lives. Sharing various perspectives during the debate with the intention to broaden and open minds and stress on the difference between sympathy and empathy, helps creating less dismissive and safe spaces in the near future.
