304 - Mental healthcare services and advocacy for older people amidst the COVID crisis: Voices from South Asia

Abstract Asia has some of the fastest developing economies and largest conglomerations populations in world. One such geographically unique region is South Asia, which accounts for nearly 25% global population one-fifth psychiatric morbidity worldwide. This also ageing rapidly compared to rest world due modifications healthcare facilities, hygiene, lifestyle as well improved sanitation infection control. Besides, Asian countries have been worst-hit by COVID-19 pandemic led an exaggerated psychosocial crisis among their older people. Many these nations face issues with community care, trained manpower, socio-economic resources, legislation catering psychological care health inequalities. However, recent years witnessed paradigm shift mental policies, infrastructure technology nations. Climate changes, migration, displacement ecological characteristics further make needs challenges. With this background, leaders field psychogeriatric from come together discuss highlight upcoming strategies advocacy service delivery people regions. Mutual collaboration cross-country research are globally called upon. Panelists: 1. Dr. Gautam Saha (President, Indian Psychiatric Society) [email protected] 2. G.Prasad Rao Association Geriatric Mental Health) [email protected] 3. Sudarshan Narsingh Psychiatrists’ Nepal & President, SAARC Federation) [email protected] 4. Wazizul Alam Chowdhury Bangladesh Associa tion Psychiatrists) [email protected] 5. Afzal Javed World Chairman, Pakistan Centre, Fountain House, Lahore) [email protected] Moderator: Debanjan Banerjee (Old Age Psychiatrist, NIMHANS, Bangalore; Member, IPA Public Awareness Advocacy Committee) [email protected]