IGP Ramya Bharathi Launches ‘Magizhchi’ Mental Health Initiative for Coimbatore City Police Personnel

Coimbatore: Long shifts, constant public scrutiny and the demands of policing can take a toll on the mental well-being of those responsible for keeping a city safe. Addressing these challenges, Coimbatore City Police organised the ‘Magizhchi’ programme on October 12 to support the mental health and family well-being of police personnel and their families, ahead of World Mental Health Day.

The programme was led by R.V. Ramya Bharathi, IGP, West Zone, who is also holding additional charge as Commissioner of Police, Coimbatore. It aims to help police personnel lead healthier lives and overcome substance dependence through access to professional support and counselling.

The initiative covers mental health counselling, de-addiction treatment, individual and family counselling, and continued follow-up support. Addressing the gathering, IGP Ramya Bharathi emphasised that seeking professional help when needed should never be viewed as a weakness, but as a sign of strength. She urged personnel to make full use of the services available under the programme.

She also thanked the M.S. Chellamuthu Trust and Research Foundation, along with the doctors and mental health professionals, for their role in implementing the initiative.

Dr N.S. Moni, senior consultant psychiatrist for the West Zone, spoke about the importance of mental well-being.

Senior police officials present included P. Thangathurai, IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police (North); G. Karthikeyan, Deputy Commissioner of Police (South); S.S. Maheshwaran, IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic); M. Rajkumar, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Armed Reserve); and N. Suryamoorthy, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, CWC.

A total of 65 personnel, ranging from constables to special sub-inspectors, from the Law and Order, Traffic and Armed Reserve wings of Coimbatore City Police participated in the programme.