Messages
Mental Health in Digital Age: Innovations and impact.
Namaskar and Welcome to 11th PANCON, Pokhara
Human society is a dynamic construct, ever evolving, adapting to new changes, natural as well as manmade. Some changes have such a powerful impact that the whole era is defined by its name, for example: Ice age, iron age, industrial age etc. the current time is aptly defined as the digital age, as the digital information technology is the center-stage in every aspect of human life.
This technology has also brought both opportunities and challenges to mental health of people. The technology is the key to the globalization of all cultures/ languages and societies. Not only does it offer innovative tools for management of mental health issues, but also creates newer risks like digital addiction, cybercrimes and even cyber warfare, all of which has huge impact on mental health of people. The mental health issues like anxiety and depression has increased, probably due to factors like excessive social media use and exposure to harmful online content.
Things which were once available only for developed countries and almost luxuries for developing countries, the digital technology is being used to improve access, equity, and quality of care globally. Digital mental health initiatives, like online therapy platforms, AI-powered tools, and digital therapeutics etc. are not strange even in developing world. Nepal though being one of the LDC still has fair access to this digital technology and Nepali society too has opportunities and challenges like elsewhere.
Nepalese psychiatrists also must gear up to adapt to this global changes. With the theme "Mental Health in Digital Age: Innovations and Impact" the conference aims to appreciate all who are already using and also to encourage all to utilize as well conduct researches related to the digital technology.
I wish all the participants to have a great academic as well social experience.
Regards,
Professor Dr. Rabi Shakya
President
Psychiatrists' Association of Nepal
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
It is a great pleasure and honor to welcome you all to the 11th National Conference of the Psychiatrists' Association of Nepal (PANCON 2025, Pokhara), taking place in the beautiful city of Pokhara, Nepal from November 13th to 15th, 2025.
PAN- Western Chapter has been entrusted to host PANCON for the 2nd time and we are thankful to PAN fraternity for providing this opportunity to organize the 11th PANCON.
This year, our theme "Mental Health in the Digital Age: Innovations and Impact" highlights both the opportunities and challenges posed by the rapidly evolving digital world. As we stand at the crossroads of mental health and technology, it is crucial that we explore innovative approaches, harness digital tools, and critically assess their implications for mental health care, research, education, and policy.
PANCON 2025, Pokhara promises to be a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and professional growth. We are curating a rich scientific program featuring keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and research presentations from national and international experts. Together, we aim to foster deeper understanding, inspire innovation, and promote the advancement of mental health services in Nepal and beyond.
We warmly invite mental health professionals, researchers, students, and stakeholders to join us in Pokhara — a city of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. Let us make PANCON 2025, Pokhara a meaningful, memorable, rejuvenating and transformative experience for all.
Looking forward to receiving you in Pokhara.
Warm regards,
Prof Dr Nirmal Lamichhane
Organizing Chairman
PANCON 2025 - Pokhara
It is with great pleasure and anticipation that we welcome you to PANCON25-Pokhara, the annual conference of the Psychiatrists' Association of Nepal, centered around this year's timely and thought-provoking theme: "Mental Health in the Digital Age: Innovations and Impact."
As we navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape, our understanding of mental health must evolve alongside it. This theme reflects both the opportunities and challenges brought about by technological advancement — from telepsychiatry and mental health apps to the psychological impacts of social media and digital overload. PANCON 2025 Pokhara will serve as a vital platform for academicians, clinicians, researchers, and mental health professionals to share knowledge, foster innovation, and engage in meaningful discussions about how we can best serve our communities in this digital era.
We look forward to your active participation, insightful contributions, and collaborative spirit as we come together in pursuit of holistic and forward-looking approaches to mental health care.
Warm regards,
Dr. Manoj Dhungana
Associate Professor, DMC/KU
General Secretary
Psychiatrists' Association of Nepal (PAN)
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
It is with great enthusiasm and a deep sense of responsibility that I welcome you to this year's Annual Conference of the Psychiatric Society of Nepal, centered around the timely and thought provoking theme: "Mental Health in the Digital Age: Innovations and Impact."
We stand at the intersection of rapid technological transformation and evolving mental health needs. Digital platforms, artificial intelligence, telepsychiatry, and mental health apps are redefining how we understand, access, and deliver psychiatric care. This conference serves as a vital platform to explore these developments, critically assess their implications, and envision how innovation can be harnessed to improve outcomes for our patients and communities.
Our scientific committee has curated a diverse and dynamic program, bringing together leading national and international experts, researchers, and clinicians to share evidence-based insights, breakthrough ideas, and ethical reflections. We have prioritized interactive sessions, thought provoking symposia, and inclusive discussions that we hope will inspire collaboration and continued learning.
As we delve into the possibilities and challenges of digital integration in mental health, let us remain grounded in compassion, equity, and scientific rigor. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that innovations lead to real-world impact accessible to all, and aligned with the cultural and contextual realities of Nepal and beyond.
I warmly invite each of you to actively participate, share your experiences, question assumptions, and help shape the future of psychiatric care in this digital era.
With warm regards,
Prof. Dr. Pushpa Prasad Sharma
Chairman, Scientific Committee
PANCON 2025, Pokhara