FAQ
1. What is The PEMA ?
The PEMA Secretariat is Bhutan’s National Nodal Agency for Mental Health and Child Protection Services under the leadership of Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen, Jetsun Pema Wangchuck.
2. How can I reach out to The PEMA Secretariat ?
For general office enquiry, enquiry@thepema.gov.bt or call 02332862
For protection and counselling services, helpline@thepema.gov.bt or call 1098
For SUD and rehabilitation services, rrd@thepema.gov.bt or call 17120056
3. Where is The PEMA Secretariat located ?
For general office enquiry, enquiry@thepema.gov.bt or call 02332862
For protection and counselling services, helpline@thepema.gov.bt or call 1098
For SUD and rehabilitation services, rrd@thepema.gov.bt or call 17120056
4. Are The PEMA Centre and The PEMA Secretariat the same ?
The PEMA Centre is the apex mental health hospital in Bhutan, providing specialized clinical services. The PEMA Secretariat is the nodal agency for mental health and child protection services, serving as the overarching coordinating body responsible for policy formulation, programme development, and the implementation of prevention efforts, response services, rehabilitation, and reintegration services.
5. Why is mental health important ?
Mental health shapes how people think, feel, work, and relate to others. Without good mental health, individuals cannot reach their full potential, families are strained, and national development is undermined. Investing in mental health strengthens productivity, social cohesion, and resilience, making it a foundation for a healthy and compassionate society.
6. Are services available 24/7 ?
The Helpline service (1098) is available 24/7
7. What are the different services available?
● Protection services for children, survivors of gender-based violence and children in conflict with the law.
● Clinical Counselling services.
● Adoption and Alternative care services.
● 24/7 helpline services.
● Interim shelter services for children in difficult circumstances.
● Rehabilitation services for substance users.
● Outpatient substance use treatment and Care.
● Prison-based mental health services.
● Reintegration services.
8. What is the difference between The PEMA Secretariat, NCWC and RENEW ?
The PEMA Secretariat is a state agency, functioning under the leadership of Her majesty the Gyaltsuen.
NCWC is a government agency, a regulatory body for streamlining gender and child related initiatives in the country.
RENEW is a CSO, dedicated to empowerment of women.
9. Who usually seeks help from The PEMA Secretariat ?
Anyone experiencing mental health challenges, child protection issues, violence, substance use concerns or parents seeking adoption services can seek help from The PEMA Secretariat
10. Does PEMA provide Rehabilitation for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) ?
The PEMA Secretariat provides rehabilitation services for people with substance use disorder. Services for AUD clients are provided by other rehabilitation service providers like BIW and CPA.
11. What is Outpatient SUD treatment and care ?
It is a structured treatment programme provided in some hospitals and through the PEMA Rehab designed to help individuals with drug and alcohol use issues, especially those who cannot or need not attend residential rehabilitation. It also suits continuing care services for those who have completed residential treatment.