KATHMANDU

Ncell customers can now call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline 1166 operated by the government for suicide prevention and seek necessary consultation with psychiatrists and counselors on mental health issues. Ncell Axiata Limited has collaborated with the Patan Mental Hospital to this effect.

In a programme organised to mark the World Suicide Prevention Day, Ncell last week handed over Ncell SIM and a handset solution to Patan Mental Hospital. With this the hotline number 1166 has been made accessible from Ncell network as well.

Jabbor Kayumov, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Ncell shared his thoughts on this matter, ‘Mental health plays a big role in all of our lives. We are delighted to collaborate with Patan Mental Hospital for this noble cause to contribute towards making the hotline service more effective.’

The government has been providing this helpline service with the aim of preventing suicides and providing necessary counseling services to callers on mental health issues. “Our statistics show that phone calls about suicidal thoughts and other mental health issues are on the rise. In such a situation, this collaboration of Ncell is of great importance and will contribute to saving precious lives,” said Dr. Ananta Prasad Adhikari, Director of Patan Mental Hospital.

The government has been running this helpline service from Patan Mental Hospital, Lagankhel with the support of the World Health Organization and Transcultural Psychosocial Organization (TPO) Nepal.