The World Health Day will be observed in the country as elsewhere in the world today highlighting the theme of this year's observance 'mental health of the elderly,' reports

Elaborate programmes have been taken to observe the day under the auspices of the National Institute of Mental Health, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Bangladesh Association of Psychiatrists.

The inaugural function of the daylong programme will be held in the CIRDAP auditorium in the morning. Health Minister Sa.lahuddin Yusuf will open the function.

A symposium will be held on the mental health of the elderly at the end of the inaugural function.

A naUonal workshop will be held in the second session of the programme. Resources persons from across the country will take part in the discussion on the Draft Mental Health Act. Bangladesh 1999.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a message on the eve of the day expressed her belief that the observance of the day would catch greater attenUon of society in the development of mental and physical health of the elderly.

She said Awarni League has introduced old age allowances for the elderly in tne country.

"We have also set up the National Institute of Mental Health for the mental healthcare of the people." the prime minister said.

The health minister in a message said the physically and mentally sound elderly could become the guardians of the youth and encourage them in nation-building activities®",

State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Prof Dr M Amanullah in his message underlined the need for training to general physicians and health workers on mental health to ensure mental healthcare in the country.