The World Mental Health Day 2000 will lx observed across the country today with a call to rehabilitate the mentally disabled people by uprooting the barriers of superstitions and establishing a discrimination free society, reports BSS.

Tills year the World Federation of Mental Health has chosen the theme as Mental Health and Work."

Institute of Mental Health and Research (IMHR) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) has taken up an elaborate programme to observe the day at Pabna Mental Hospital and at psychiatry department of all government medical colleges.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sheikh Fazful Karim Selim will attend as the chief guest the inaugural function today at 10 am in the C1RDAP auditorium. Hie inaugural function will be follow'ed by a workshop.

A colorful rally will be brought out from Dhaka Medical College premises at 7:30 am to mark the occasion.

In a message. President Shahabuddin Ahmed said existing superstitions regarding mentally disabled patients and discriminatory behaviour hamper the rehabilitation process of the mental patients.