stigmatisation of people suffering from mental illness must end
ISLAMABAD: Recently, the whole world observed the World Mental Day. Unfortunately, around 50 million people in Pakistan have various psychological problems due to numerous factors like insecurity, poverty, social maladies, diseases, and terrorism. Contrarily, according to the World Health Organisation, Pakistan has approximately only 320 psychiatrists and only five mental hospitals. Furthermore, psychologically disturbed people face stigmatisation and alienation, which further add insult to injury.
The government spends only 0.42 per cent of the budget on health according to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2016-17. It is high time for the government to dish out funds to improve health indicators. Further, stigmatisation of people suffering from mental illness must end. For this, the media should play its due role in creating awareness.
Muhammad Wajid Munir
Published in The Express Tribune, October 12th, 2016.
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