Sindh launches mental health helpline

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah announced on Wednesday the launch of the Sindh Mental Health Authority helpline, established to extend support to people facing mental health problems.

"The helpline has been established to combat the psychological crisis that has emerged amid the coronavirus outbreak," the CM said. "The coronavirus [outbreak] has given rise to mental stress, depression, anxiety and other psychological problems."

Earlier, Sindh Mental Health Authority chairperson Dr Karim Khawaja briefed the CM on the use of the helpline.

Assistance can be sought by dialling the UAN number, 111-117-642, allotted for the helpline, he said, adding that if 021 code was added before the number, the call would be directed to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC). However, if the 022 code is added before the number, the call would be connected to the Sir Cowasjee Jehangir Institute of Psychiatry (SCJIP) in Hyderabad, he added.

"At both the facilities, JPMC and SCJIP, leading psychiatrists have been deputed to provide assistance to callers," Dr Khawaja stated.

Callers can seek guidance and counselling from 8am to 3pm.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 14^th, 2020.