Though the incidence of mental illnesses in rural Sindh is similar to that in the province’s urban centres, the areas lack facilities to treat patients. “The situation in Larkana is not very different from other parts of the country,” said Prof. Badaruddin Junejo, the head of Chandka Medical Hospital’s psychiatry department.
Around 100 people come to the department to seek treatment and the 20-bed ward is perpetually full. Electroconvulsive therapy is available for severe cases. There is also a round-the-clock emergency department as well as a hotline. About 70 percent of the people who seek treatment have depression or anxiety and mood disorders.
The department has also treated cases of epilepsy and hyperactive disorders as well as myriad mental illnesses in children.
Prof. Junejo said that drug addiction is another problem. “We have ten separate beds for addicts and despite highly qualified doctors and free medicines, very few people seek treatment.” He stressed the need for greater awareness about mental illnesses in rural Sindh.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 10th, 2012.
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