Islamabad, 25 August 2022 (TDI): The Representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Pakistan, Dr. Bakhtior Kadirov, addressed the need for mental health services in the country.
The representative spoke at the launch of a report on mental health and human rights by the National Commission for Human Rights NCHR. The aim of this report is to identify the gaps in mental health policy.
“UNFPA calls for increased efforts to address the growing need of mental health services and psychosocial support needs and also the need for more openness about mental illness.” – Dr. Bakhtior Kadirov @UNFPAPakistan on fighting stigma around mental health#RightToMentalHealth pic.twitter.com/ZhtsEshR2v
— National Commission for Human Rights (@nchrofficial) August 24, 2022
The report covers the human rights violations and malpractices faced by people with mental health issues. It also covers legislation, licensing, qualification, and ethical mental health service delivery in the domain.
Remarks of UNFPA Representative
Bakhtior Kadirov talked about fighting the stigma around mental health. He said, “UNFPA calls for increased efforts to address the growing need of mental health services and psychosocial support needs and also the need for more openness about mental illness”.
Kadirov continued, “I would like to highlight the centrality of the mental health and psychosocial support services in GBV prevention and response programs, considering the needs and concerns of GBV survivors.” He expressed his concern for the Gender-based Violence (GBV) victims and survivors.
He added, “By stepping up our support and removing the stigma surrounding mental health, we can help lift the burden of trauma off the shoulders of those who have already suffered enough.”
NCHR Report on Mental Health
The report covers mainly five issues. First of all, it covers increasing public awareness. secondly, it addresses legislative initiatives, and thirdly the establishment of mental health licensing bodies is addressed. The fourth issue it covers is the establishment of mental health regulatory authority, and the fifth is other recommendations.
After extensive discussion with professionals in the domains of public health, health policy, and psychology these suggestions were created. Stakeholders in the field of mental health as well as people with personal experience are examined and validated in this report.