The Department of Sociology started the Screening for Mental Health initiative, in collaboration with the Suicide Prevention Action Network (SPAN), Department of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of Sikkim in the year 2023.
As mental health is an important component for overall student well-being, the screening programme has been instrumental in detecting stressors and other mental health issues among college students. Interested students are invited to train under counselors from Gangtok and Ranipool Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHCs) on the screening process. Once trained, student screeners organise a monthly screening programme under the able guidance and supervision of the UPHC counselors for the benefit of college students. During the first phase, 727 students were screened, and 124 cases were referred for follow-up consultations. In 2024, 499 students were screened and approximately 94 cases were taken up for further consultations. In 2025, 653 students were screened with 124 cases identified as requiring further treatment.
On Thursday, 26th March 2026, the Department of Sociology organised the fourth round of training for fifteen student volunteers in the College Staff Room. Counselors from Gangtok and Ranipool Upper Primary Health Centres (UPHCs) were the resource persons for the programme. Dr. Nancy C. Lhasungpa, college coordinator, also attended the training. The programme ended on a positive note, with the intention of conducting the screening programme right after the mid term examinations to identify mental health issues among college students, and suggest timely counselling and reference.
