Seek help from foreign experts for mental health varsity: CM

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has directed the health department to seek help from any international prestigious psychiatry university for the establishment of Sir Cowasjee Jahangir (SCJ) University of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science Hyderabad.

"SCJ institute is over 150 years old and has been a leading mental health facility where patients from other countries used to come for treatment. It deserves to be the country's best university," Murad said presiding over a meeting at CM House on Monday.

The meeting was attended by Minister Health Dr. Azra Pechuho, Parliamentary Secretary Qasim Soomro, Chairman Sindh Mental Authority Dr. Karim Khwaja, Chief Secretary Sohail Rajput, Chairman P&D Hassan Naqvi, PSCM Fayaz Jatoi, Secretary Health Zulfiqar Shah, Commissioner Hyderabad Bilal Memon.Minister Health Dr. Azra Pechuho briefed the chief minister about the upgradation of the institute as a university.

She said that the institute's hospital and other related departments would be upgraded, and the best faculty members would be inducted.

Sindh Mental Health Authority Chairman Dr Karim Khawaja said that the institute was established over an area of 27 acres which was sufficient space for the university.

At this, the CM said that the old building of the institute happens to be a heritage, therefore it must be preserved and renovated accordingly.

Murad directed the Planning and Development Department and Health Department to sit together and prepare project concept (PC-1) for the university and meanwhile the charter of the university may be prepared.

The CM directed the health department to contact any best international universities of psychiatry and get their help for Sir CJ University so that it could be made one of the best universities in the country.

Murad said that he would keep holding follow-up meetings for the completion of the necessary documentation.

It may be noted that the CM during his recent visit to Sir CJ Institute had announced to upgrade it as a university.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 3^rd, 2023.