More than 20 million people in Pakistan, which is around 10pc of the total population, suffer from brain and neurological problems and disorders. Despite this number being much higher than people suffering from heart diseases, cancer or diabetes, mental health remains the most neglected field in Pakistan.These alarming figures and the need to promote more public awareness for improved diagnosis and effective mental health treatments in Pakistan was highlighted by Mr. Aslam Shaikh, Country Manager for Lundbeck during a ceremony held to mark Lundbeck’s 100th anniversary, hosted by the Embassy of Denmark. “In Pakistan, it is very unfortunate that due to shortage of mental health professionals, mental health facilities and relatively low levels of awareness about mental disorders, millions of people and their families suffer every day”, said Mr. Sheikh. He also noted that in countries where people are facing social and security challenges such as in Pakistan, one sees an increase in anxiety, stress, and trauma, which are contributing factors to the development of mental health issues. Mental health problems in Pakistan, a developing country, have in the last few decades reached an appalling level linked to both the current violence including acts of terrorism, disruption in social structure, safety concerns, unemployment, depressions of all sorts and family disputes. This continuous violence and threat to life has had a damaging effect to the psychological health of many people. Gory pictures in the print media and videos of violence over electronic media also affect psyche of the people. Scientists say biochemical changes in the brain affect mood and other aspects of mental health. In view of the increasing number of people suffering from mental health issues, there is need to incorporate mental healthcare as a core service in primary care and supported by specialist services. We may point out that health sector in Pakistan is in a bad shape as the public sector hospitals are overcrowded by poor people who cannot afford to pay for treatment at private hospitals. Even doctors at the government run hospitals, devote more time at their private clinics and hospitals. A point that deserves special attention is that diagnosing mental illness isn’t like diagnosing other chronic diseases. No blood test exists for depression; no X-ray can identify a child at risk of developing bipolar disorder. It is therefore necessary that the federal and provincial governments should revisit their health policies and set up special facilities with highly trained psychotherapists and psychiatrists in all hospitals for treatment of mental patients.
pk.shafaqna.com
