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Pakistan's Mental Health Crisis: 24M Need Care, Few Therapists
3 Oct
Summary
- Approximately 24 million Pakistanis require psychiatric support.
- Fewer than one therapist serves every 500,000 people.
- A new National Mental Health Policy aims to expand services.
Mental healthcare in Pakistan is critically under-resourced, with an estimated 24 million people requiring psychiatric support against a backdrop of severe scarcity, boasting less than one therapist per 500,000 individuals. The recent launch of the National Mental Health Policy on Thursday marks a significant step, promising to broaden access through primary and community-based services.
This national framework allows provinces and territories to tailor responses to regional needs, focusing on integrating mental wellness into primary care, enhancing early detection, and improving rehabilitation efforts. The success of this policy hinges on overcoming societal stigma and ensuring accessible, timely care, particularly for women who are twice as susceptible to depression.
