Dhaka: The National Institute of Mental Health and Hospital (NIMH) has taken several urgent steps to provide healthcare services to the victims of the jet crash at the Milestone School and College in Uttara on July 21. The initiatives include the formation of a special committee, the introduction of an outdoor unit alongside outreach and hotline services, and reserving beds to facilitate mental health treatment for the jet crash victims. In this connection, a notification was issued today signed by the institute's Director Professor Dr. Md. Mahbubur Rahman.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the outreach services have been launched in coordination with specialist doctors, and a hotline service has been initiated in collaboration with the Bangladesh Association of Psychiatrists (BAPS). The hotline numbers are operational from 10 am to 2 pm at 01835154341 and 01835155521, from 2 pm to 6 pm at 01835153262 and 01835154340, and from 6 pm to 10 pm at 01835153005 and 01835156262.
Additionally, the public has been advised to contact the NIMH for any emergencies around the clock. Patients already admitted to the NIMH are receiving ongoing treatment. A coordination meeting was held at Shaheed Abu Sayeed Convention Center on July 28 to ensure mental health and psychosocial support for those affected by the crash.
The Health Adviser and Special Assistant to the Chief Advise on Ministry of Health, among others, were present at the meeting. The meeting led to the decision to take coordinated steps to ensure mental health support for the accident victims, and a draft action plan was set for July 29, which will be finalized tomorrow.