National/International desk
13 October
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy emphasized the importance of collaboration between India and the US on mental health issues, saying it is beneficial not just for the two nations but for the entire world. He stressed that mental health needs to be made a priority, as the consequences of neglecting it are too severe to ignore.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Murthy expressed his belief that the two countries could learn from each other and collaborate on mental health programs, just as they have done on other health challenges. He highlighted the six-decade-old health partnership between the US and India, which has successfully addressed diseases like smallpox, polio, HIV, tuberculosis, and COVID-19.
Murthy, appointed by President Joe Biden, serves as “America’s Top Doctor” and is dedicated to protecting public health. He also pointed out his pride in the shared history of health cooperation between the two nations. Dr. Murthy is the first Surgeon General of Indian origin, with his roots in Karnataka, India.