‘Innovative approaches needed to improve mental healthcare’

Islamabad : The 24th International Psychiatric Conference of Pakistan Psychiatric Society with the theme ‘Mental Health to Global Mental Health: A Need for Public Mental Approach for Intersectoral Collaboration & Contribution’ brought together mental health experts nationally and internationally to discuss advancements, challenges, and innovative approaches to mental healthcare.

Professor Asad Nizami, chairman Institute of Psychiatry and Dean Psychiatry, College of Physicians & Surgeons Pakistan who was the Chairman Organising Committee of the conference expressed to ‘The News’ that for the first time, international collaborators including various ambassadors along with national experts have been involved to raise awareness about the mental health issues in Pakistan and to resolve the problems in the field of mental healthcare in the country.

He added the landmark event was a collaborative effort between the Pakistan Psychiatric Society and 30 academic institutions and universities from all around the world, research collaborators and partners from USA, Canada, UK, EU, Middle East and South Asia. With over 40 foreign delegates and 600 participants, the conference served as a melting pot of global expertise and local insights, he said.

It is important that the draft of the first National Mental Health Policy for Pakistan prepared by Pakistan Psychiatric Society was presented to Federal Minister for Planning Development & Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhry who inaugurated the conference.

Pakistan Medical & Dental Council, CPSP and two major medical universities have also been involved through the event with an aim to enhance the services in the field of mental healthcare in Pakistan, said Professor Asad while talking to ‘The News’ on Saturday.

Prof Dr Rizwaan Taj, President PM&DC, Professor Dr Shoaib Shafi, President CPSP, Professor Zia ul Haq and Professor Muhammad Umar (SI) (HI), vice chancellors of Khyber Medical University and Rawalpindi Medical University were the guests of honour at the conference. All these professionals assured to uphold the cause of mental health locally and globally, said Dr. Asad.

He added that for the very first time, ambassadors from several countries, including Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Denmark, Kingdom of Spain and Finland along with the ambassador of Pakistan in Spain joined the conference as advocates for mental health.

The 24th International Psychiatric Conference set a unique precedent by integrating 42 evidence based thematic and interactive sessions, addressing creative, innovative, and controversial issues in mental health. A key outcome was the development of policy documents after each session. These documents outlined critical issues and actionable solutions, aimed at guiding national mental health strategies. A session featuring a collaborative program with the Royal College of Psychiatrists, the CPSP, and the British Pakistani Psychiatric Association highlighted the importance of international partnerships.

The conference introduced a novel concept of drafting a compendium, distinguishing itself from traditional abstract books. This compendium was crafted as a creative and dynamic repository of ideas, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and bold discussions.

Dr. Asad said the event also marked the 50th anniversary of the Institute of Psychiatry at Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi and its Centre for Global Mental Health Research Implementation and Development (GRID) played a pivotal role in organizing the conference. The discussions and policies proposed during the event are poised to shape the future of mental health services, both nationally and globally, he said.