Message from PAN Executives

Distinguished Guests, Esteemed Colleagues, and Friends!!

We are pleased to welcome you to the 10th PANCON here in Nepalgunj, a city that exemplifies resilience and growth in the heart of western Nepal. Our theme, “Psychiatry & Addiction: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities,” underscores the critical intersection of mental health and addiction, a dual challenge faced by many in our communities.

Addiction is not merely a battle against substances but a profound struggle entwined with mental health. The complexities of psychiatric disorders and addiction demand an integrated approach, combining medical expertise with compassionate care. Here in Nepalgunj, we witness firsthand the impact of these issues, making our discussions particularly relevant and urgent.

This conference offers a unique platform to share knowledge, strategies, and innovations that can transform our approach to treatment. We are here to confront the challenges head-on: limited resources, social stigma, and the need for comprehensive support systems. Yet, within these challenges lie immense opportunities. We can develop more effective, culturally sensitive interventions by fostering collaboration across disciplines and borders.

Let us use this gathering to strengthen our networks, inspire new ideas, and commit to actionable solutions. Together, we can navigate these challenges and unlock opportunities to benefit countless lives.

In addition, we hope you will use this opportunity to explore beauty in different parts of western Nepal (Bhagewshori temple, Banke and Bardiya National Park, Karnali bridge, and cultural heritage sites -Kakrebihar ).
We eagerly welcome you to Nepalgunj this Autumn, November 2024.

Warm regards,

Prof. Dr. Rabi Shakya
President, PAN

Dr. Manoj Dhungana
General Secretary, PAN

Message from Organizing Committee of PANCON 2024

Join us in Nepalgunj!!

We invite you to join PANCON 2024, the 10th National Conference of the Psychiatrists’ Association of Nepal (PAN), in the vibrant city of Nepalgunj from November 28 to Nov 29, 2024. This conference offers mental health professionals, aspiring practitioners, psychosocial counselors, psychologists, medical officers, nurses, healthcare providers, students, volunteers, NGOs, and social workers a fantastic chance to collaborate, share knowledge, and engage in meaningful discussions. You’ll leave feeling refreshed and equipped with new insights to enhance your practice. Enjoy excellent networking opportunities, learn more about current trends in psychiatry, understand ongoing challenges, discuss what we lack in the field, and explore opportunities to grow. Together, we will examine innovative treatments, collaborative care models, and best practices. We look forward to insightful discussions, fruitful collaborations, and the advancement of our shared mission to improve mental health care for all Nepalese.

About PAN

The Psychiatrists’ Association of Nepal (PAN) is a representative organization managed by mental health workers to enhance their welfare and security while improving the mental health of all Nepalese. Its mission is to promote high-quality care for individuals with mental illness and their families, advance psychiatric education and research, and serve the professional needs of its members. PAN aims to protect patients’ rights, improve access to and quality of psychiatric services, enhance research and education in mental health, ensure optimal conditions for practice, foster collaboration across disciplines, and improve its functioning to better serve its mission.

Theme

The theme for PANCON this year is “Psychiatry and Addiction: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities.” Focusing on the critical issues surrounding addiction, the conference underscores the need for proper psychiatric treatment over punitive measures and emphasizes the urgency of the integration of relevant laws into the legal framework. By promoting compassionate, evidence-based approaches, PANCON seeks to highlight the significance of adequate mental health care in tackling addiction.

The impact of addiction on individuals’ lives and well-being is immense and requires urgent attention, especially in psychiatry and addiction treatment. Governments are starting to acknowledge the gravity of this crisis and are taking steps to address it. As we confront the challenges of addiction, there are also opportunities for innovation and collaboration in mental health care. By advocating for sufficient treatment and raising awareness about mental health’s importance, we can move toward a society where individuals struggling with addiction receive the necessary support and care. Reducing the burden of addiction requires both individual and collective efforts, making collaboration essential in this endeavor.

Venue:

Nepalgunj, situated in Nepal’s Banke District, offers a modern setting with a welcoming atmosphere for our conference. Located on the Terai plains near the southern border with Uttar Pradesh, India, it’s strategically positioned 153 kilometers southwest of Ghorahi and 16 kilometers south of Kohalpur. The city’s proximity to Nepalgunj Airport, just 6 kilometers north of the city center, ensures easy accessibility with regular flights to Kathmandu and other western districts such as Humla, Dolpa, Jumla, Mugu, and Rukum.

Nepalgunj’s moderate temperatures around November make it ideal for relaxation and discovery.

Promoting Internal Tourism

We encourage all participants to embrace the unique travel opportunities provided by the conference, supporting internal tourism and enriching your experience by exploring Nepal’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage.

Post-Conference Vacation

Extend your stay to explore the natural and cultural attractions of the area:

– Bardiya National Park: Discover diverse wildlife just an hour’s drive west of Nepalgunj.
– Chisapani and Karnali River: Enjoy the serene beauty of this scenic spot and unique bridge over Karnali river, 90 minutes drive west from Nepalgunj.
– Bageshwori Temple:A significant Hindu temple in Nepal, dedicated to goddess Bageshwori-Durga, located at the center of Nepalgunj.
– Banke National Park:A must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
– Manpur Mainapokhar:Just a half-hour drive to Badhaiya Lake, a tourist destination offering boating and a variety of fish dishes.
– Tharu Villages:Discover cultural richness in Deukhuri Valley along the Mahendra Rajmarg.

Further Adventures: For more exploration, consider trips to the far west region, Jumla, and the stunning Rara Lake.

Neighboring City Visit

Take the opportunity to visit Lucknow, a short trip ( 3 hours drive; 187 KMs) from Nepalgunj. Renowned for its rich history and vibrant culture, Lucknow offers a delightful experience for our attendees.
Also, don’t forget to visit small town Rupaidiha (for shopping) at Indo-Nepal border, 15 minutes drive south from Nepalgunj.

See you in Nepalgunj!!

Regards,

Prof. Dr. Mohan Belbase
Organizing Chairman

Dr. Tanveer Ahmed Khan
Organizing Co-chair

Dr. Prabhat Sapkota
Organizing Secretary