President Dr Arif Alvi has stressed the need to form a committee of public and private stakeholders to develop mental health helpline for patients.

Chairing a meeting on mental health in Islamabad on Monday, he said the committee constituted by Ministry of National Health Services should come up with a comprehensive plan to provide Mental Health counselling and services to the people who were facing mental health issues or disorders.

President stated Pakistan has limited resources to cope with the burden of mental health as an estimated 80 percent of people with Mental Health needs remain untreated.

He said that there is a need to increase the pool of psychiatrists, psychologists and counsellors on a top priority basis to ensure the reach of mental health services to the target population.

The President underlined the need to develop and create mental health providers, especially at the primary level for the early diagnoses and treatment to arrest the illness at the initial stages.

Source: Radio Pakistan