KARACHI: The provincial government on Friday launched the first-ever Sindh Mental Health Policy, outlining a strategic plan to establish a sustainable and effective system to improve mental health services across the province.

Multiple local and international stakeholders — the Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning (PILL), University of Manchester, Kings College London, Sindh Mental Health Authority, WHO, prison department, Pakistan Psychiatric Society and Pakistan Psychological Association — were involved in the making of the Mental Health Policy 2023-2030, the first at the provincial and federal level.

The launch ceremony was held at the Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), where speakers said that mental disorders were on the rise in the country and it was imperative that a well-documented and an overarching mental health policy be constituted.

The policy document, it was pointed out, was aligned with the cultural, geographical, religious and historical context of the province and provided an overarching framework to advance good mental health services for the people of Sindh.

Minister says health dept working on suicides’ data collection to set up registry

The policy, a copy of which is available with Dawn, recommends translation and dissemination of the Sindh Mental Health Act in local/regional languages, notification of its rules and procedures and separate allocation of budget for mental health programmes.

It also calls for incorporating education and training in mental health in medical education curriculum, and making mental health literacy a mandatory part of continuing professional education.

It also suggests training of community-based workers including traditional healers, health workers (LHWs, LHSs), general practitioners at primary care, and social workers in mental health.

‘Over 240,000 psychiatric patients’

Speaking on the occasion, caretaker Sindh Health Minister Dr Saad Khalid Niaz said: “The policy was much needed given the growing mental health challenges the country face.”

He said that the policy had brought Sindh at the forefront of the mental health advocacy in the country.

The initiative, he said, was of great importance, reflecting dedication to prioritising mental health in the public discourse.

The minister shared concern over the increasing number of psychiatric patients in the country, forcing many to take their lives, and the limited numbers of facilities available to take care of their needs.

“The country is estimated to have over 240,000 psychiatric patients that need medical assistance. We must join hands to reach everyone affected by any mental health illness,” he said.

The minister added that the provincial health department was working to set up a registry to gather data on suicides.

He also shared his concern over growing use of drugs and said it had brought to its notice that certain chemicals used in different industries were being turned into illicit drugs.

DUHS Vice Chancellor Prof Saeed Quraishy spoke about the need to improve mental health facilities in the province and highlighted the steps being taken by the university in this respect.

The speakers included caretaker Education Minister Rana Hussain, PILL Head Prof Imran Bashir Chaudhary and DUHS Pro VC Prof Nusrat Hussain.

Published in Dawn, January 27th, 2024