Glimpses of the PEMA Symposium 2024
NGAWANG JAMPHEL
Thimphu
The PEMA Symposium 2024, which was hosted on November 25 and 26, aimed at building a resilient and inclusive mental health care system in the country.
Organized by the PEMA Secretariat in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) Bhutan, the symposium was graced by Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, reaffirming Bhutan’s unwavering commitment to mental health and well-being.
Under the theme “Towards Building People-Centered Mental Health Care through Resilient and Supportive Society”, the symposium convened leading experts, policymakers, planners, and service providers to explore global and regional best practices, share innovative solutions, and advance evidence-based approaches to mental health interventions in Bhutan.
In her opening remarks, Dasho Dechen Wangmo, Head of the PEMA Secretariat, highlighted the significance of Gross National Happiness (GNH) as a guiding principle for Bhutan’s holistic approach to well-being. However, she acknowledged that mental health remains an area requiring focused attention to translate GNH’s vision into tangible realities.
She spoke passionately about the potential within every individual to thrive when provided with the right enabling conditions. “Under the enlightened leadership of Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, we at the PEMA Secretariat are driven by the belief that every individual has the innate potential to blossom like the metopema (the lotus flower),” she said.
Dasho Dechen emphasized that mental health is not just an individual challenge but a societal responsibility that requires the collective efforts of government, institutions, families, and communities.
The symposium anticipated the importance of addressing mental health from a multi-sectoral perspective. Health Secretary Pemba Wangchuk delivered a compelling address on the factors influencing mental health, extending far beyond healthcare settings. He pointed out that social determinants such as family dynamics, education systems, institutional structures, and environmental factors play critical roles in shaping mental well-being.
“A whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach is critical to comprehensively address mental health issues across all levels,” Wangchuk said. He emphasized that mental health interventions must not be confined to clinical care but should integrate broader societal support to create resilient communities.
Keynote speaker Saima Wazed, Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia Regional Office (SEARO), lauded Bhutan’s leadership in prioritizing mental health and disability within public health initiatives. She highlighted the role of resilience in fostering recovery and well-being, emphasizing that resilience enables individuals and communities to view setbacks as temporary and manageable.
“Building resilience within communities and individuals is fundamental,” she said. “Promoting mental health literacy is a vital component of this, empowering communities to support each other and dispel stigma.” Saima also reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting Bhutan’s efforts to strengthen mental health systems, noting the country’s exemplary focus on mental well-being in the South-East Asia region.
The symposium provided a platform for dialogue on innovative approaches to mental health care. Experts presented global and regional best practices that could be adapted to Bhutan’s unique socio-cultural context. Discussions centered on creating a people-centered mental health care system that prioritizes accessibility, inclusivity, and sustainability.
Participants also emphasized the need for early intervention, community-based care, and integration of mental health services into primary healthcare systems. The importance of leveraging technology to improve access to mental health services, especially in remote and underserved areas, was also highlighted.
The event further explored the role of mental health literacy in combating stigma and fostering supportive environments. Participants stressed that public awareness campaigns and education programs are essential to dispel misconceptions about mental health and encourage help-seeking behavior. Schools, workplaces, and community organizations were identified as key settings for promoting mental health literacy and providing support systems.
The symposium also addressed the importance of empowering caregivers and frontline workers with the skills and knowledge needed to provide effective mental health support.
The PEMA Symposium also served as a platform to acknowledge the gaps and challenges in Bhutan’s mental health system. Limited access to specialized mental health care, a shortage of trained professionals, and stigma surrounding mental illness were identified as major barriers to progress.
Participants called for increased investment in mental health infrastructure, capacity building, and research to address these challenges. The need for a robust policy framework to guide mental health interventions and ensure accountability was also emphasized.
A significant highlight of the symposium was the focus on integrating mental health into Bhutan’s broader development agenda. Speakers discussed how mental health intersects with education, employment, and social protection, underscoring the need for cross-sectoral collaboration.
The symposium advocated for a rights-based approach to mental health, emphasizing that mental health care should be accessible, affordable, and equitable for all. Special attention was given to vulnerable populations, including children, adolescents, and individuals with disabilities, to ensure that no one is left behind.
The presence of international experts added depth to the discussions, bringing diverse perspectives and experiences to the table. Case studies from other countries provided valuable insights into effective strategies for mental health promotion and service delivery. The symposium also showcased Bhutan’s achievements in mental health care, including the establishment of the PEMA Secretariat and its initiatives to promote mental well-being at the community level.
The event concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to prioritize mental health as a national agenda. Participants emphasized that achieving a people-centered mental health care system requires sustained commitment, collaboration, and innovation. The PEMA Secretariat and the Ministry of Health reaffirmed their commitment to working together with partners, including WHO, to advance mental health outcomes in Bhutan.
In her closing remarks, Dasho Dechen Wangmo expressed gratitude to all participants for their contributions to the symposium and their dedication to the cause of mental health. She reiterated that mental health is a cornerstone of GNH and a vital component of Bhutan’s vision for a happy and prosperous society. “We must continue to work together to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their mental health challenges,” she said.
The PEMA Symposium 2024 marked a significant step forward in Bhutan’s journey toward building a resilient and inclusive mental health care system. By bringing together diverse stakeholders and fostering meaningful dialogue, the symposium laid the foundation for a collaborative and holistic approach to mental health.
