Fed Minister suggests extension of mental health support services to all the women enrolled in BISP, in collaboration with the Sindh Mental Health Authority.
Karachi
Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation & Social Safety and Chairperson Benazir Income Support Program Ms. Shazia Marri says mental disorders could also be found among political figures across Pakistan.
“Mental health issues were rather common, as they could also be seen in political figures around the country,” she said speaking at a conference titled “How Benazir Income Support Program can help with Mental Health Issues”, organized by Sindh Mental Health Authority at a local hotel in Karachi on Saturday.
The conference focused on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, the rain and flood havoc and environmental issues, in worsening mental health issues across the country.
The Minister stressed on the importance of mental health issues stating that there was no health without mental health, as the brain was a vital organ that needed care too. She further stressed the necessity of ending the stigma surrounding mental health issues, through the efforts of the media in promoting mental health awareness.
Ms. Shazia Marri reiterated that it was necessary to talk about mental health, so that people could feel comfortable in attaining help with regards to their issues.
Citing the Covid-19 pandemic and the havoc wreaked by the recent floods, the Minister acknowledged the impact of these disasters on the mental health of the victims.
Expressing dismay over yesterday’s terrorist attack at the Police Station in Karachi, the Minister addressed the prevalent issue of terrorism and its terrible impact on the mental health of the victims of terrorist attacks.
Shazia Marri further shed light upon the issues of child marriage, sexual harassment and incest, and stressed how crucial it was that the mental health issues caused by these horrors, were also addressed.
The Minister emphasized the need for stability in the country and condemned the people responsible for facilitating the rise of terrorism in the country.
She said that it was necessary to not just fight terrorism but also the mindset that bred extremism in the country.
Minister suggested the extension of mental health support services to all the women enrolled in BISP, in collaboration with the Sindh Mental Health Authority.
Dr. Karim Khawaja, Chairman, Sindh Mental Health Authority also addressed the seminar.
This conference was attended by prominent members of the World Health Organization, the medical community and civil society, particularly doctors, psychologists and psychiatrists from some of the most renowned hospitals and universities in Karachi. (PR)
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