80m adults suffer from mental issues: ministry

ISLAMABAD:

As the country struggles with skyrocketing inflation, high unemployment, law and order issues, and declining standard of living, the Ministry of Health reported on Thursday that 80 million adults in the country were suffering from mental health issues.

The ministry divulged the figures during the National Assembly session. The lower house was informed that all major hospitals in the country were equipped with facilities to address psychiatric issues, and that 126 colleges have departments dedicated to mental illnesses.

Meanwhile, it has been seen that the country's public health sector fails to fully acknowledge psychology as a profession, restricting the number of professionals in this field. As a result, one in five graduates chooses to move abroad due to limited opportunities. The neglect of mental health policies arises from a lack of adequate legislation and weak institutional infrastructure.

The decline in the already limited availability of mental health facilities is alarming as depression, suicidal behavior, and other mental health issues are on the rise as the country struggles with an ongoing economic crisis.