Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Dec 13: In a major step towards strengthening mental healthcare, Modified Electro Convulsive Therapy (ECT) services were launched today at the Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag.
According to GMC authorities, the advanced psychiatric treatment will be provided by the Department of Psychiatry, with crucial support from the Department of Anaesthesia.
Officials said the availability of Modified ECT is a significant move towards delivering comprehensive, evidence-based and life-saving mental healthcare in South Kashmir.
Authorities stated that while neuromodulation techniques have long been part of psychiatric practice, the Department of Psychiatry at GMC Anantnag has already been successfully administering intravenous ketamine therapy for selected patients.
“The introduction of ECT further broadens treatment options, particularly for patients with severe and treatment-resistant mental illnesses,” they said.
Officials stressed that with the launch of ECT services at GMC Anantnag, patients from South Kashmir and adjoining areas will no longer need to travel to distant centres for advanced psychiatric care.
“This is expected to reduce financial burden, treatment delays and social hardship for patients and their families,” they said.
On the first day, the Modified ECT was successfully administered to two patients in strict adherence to standard clinical protocols and ethical guidelines.
It is to be noted here that Electroconvulsive Therapy is a globally accepted and scientifically proven psychiatric treatment that has been in use for over 80 years.
“The procedure involves the controlled application of a brief electrical stimulus to the brain under general anaesthesia and muscle relaxation, resulting in a short therapeutic seizure,” doctors said.
GMC authorities informed that the Department of Anaesthesia plays a key role in the ECT programme by conducting detailed pre-anaesthetic evaluations, administering appropriate anaesthesia and continuously monitoring vital parameters throughout the procedure.
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel