Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Thursday inaugurated a new concept — Happiness Therapy — for a speedy recovery and better healing of patients admitted at the Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital.
The therapy soon to be introduced in all Delhi government hospitals will not be available in ICU and Emergency wards.
Mr. Jain said: “Happiness Therapy involving medical staff and patients in group dance will help in better healing, speedy recovery, increased harmony and bonding between the staff and patients.”
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He added that the therapy will include dance, music, songs, meditation, yoga and laughter under proper supervision.
A release issued by the government noted that various types of diseases like cancers, infections, injuries, developmental disorders, hypertension, diabetes, etc., have a direct and negative impact on the mental health of the patients. In order to positively impact these aspects of the mental stress of patients, various forms of wellness therapies such as yoga, inspirational talks, dance and music can be utilised.
This is a pre-tested idea which is followed in many other countries such as the US and Brazil. “In GTB Hospital, this concept has been introduced to make it the friendliest hospital under the government. The hospital chose to utilise the music and dance therapy for simplicity and ease of connectivity with patients wilfully participating [as best as they can] and also for those spectating,” the release stated. The Health Department noted that all care is being taken to ensure that the patients are safe and can participate as per their willingness, consent and ability.
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Further, guidelines are being developed to ensure no harm is done to recuperating patients. The patient and their attendants have appreciated this initiative.
Welcoming the move, the doctors said: “Anything done for the holistic care of patients is a welcome move, however, the State Health Department should also look at the welfare of its medical staff too.”