Tried and tested only in movies, the new ‘Happiness Therapy’ which involves a group dance performed by doctors and nurses in front of patients admitted in the hospitals, was inaugurated by Delhi’s Health Minister Satyender Jain on Thursday. The first of its kind therapy was inaugurated at Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital.
Inaugurating the therapy, Jain said, “Happiness Therapy involving medical staff and patients in group dance will help in better healing, speedy recovery, increased harmony and bonding between the staff and patients.” The Minister announced that the concept will be introduced in all Delhi Government hospitals for admitted patients except in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Emergency wards.
“Happiness Therapy in all Delhi Government hospitals will include Dance, Music and Songs, Meditation, Yoga and Laughter under proper supervision,” said the minister.
According to a senior doctor from GTB Hospital, the hospital has been chosen to utilize the music and dance therapy for its simplicity and ease of connectivity with patients willfully participating or while being a spectator alone.
In the GTB Hospital, all care is being taken to ensure that the patients are safe and physically good enough to appreciate or participate as per their willingness, consent and ability, the doctor said further.
In addition to that, the guidelines are being developed to ensure no harm is done to these or other recuperating patients. The patient and their attendants have appreciated this initiative.
Various types of diseases like cancers, infections, injuries, developmental disorders, hypertension, diabetes, etc., have direct and negative impact on the mental health of the patients.
While significant progress has been made in treating these ailments by various drugs, however the associated unhappiness, depression, dissatisfaction, mental tension etc., generally do not allow the patients and their family members to come back their original status early.
“This is a pre-tested idea which is also being followed in many other countries such as the United States and Brazil, however, the concept is totally new in India”, a Government official said.
